S. Korean civic group plans damage suit against Microsoft<\/p>\n
Associated Press, Seoul<\/p>\n
A major South Korean civic group is considering filing a
\ndamage suit against Microsoft Corp. over a virus-like attack that
\nseriously disrupted Internet services in South Korea last month.<\/p>\n
The Seoul-based People's Solidarity for Participatory
\nDemocracy said Tuesday that Microsoft was aware in July that the
\nworm, variously known as slammer or sapphire, took advantage of a
\nvulnerability in its SQL Server 2000 software and had issued a
\npatch for the flaw, but had failed to promptly notify users by
\nphone or personal visits. The software is used by businesses,
\ngovernment agencies, universities and others around the world.<\/p>\n
Kwon Chan, Microsoft Korea's spokesman, said the company had
\nsent out e-mails and newsletters several times warning users of
\nthe flaw prior to the attack on Jan. 25.<\/p>\n
The South Korean civic group, which plans to begin gathering
\nplaintiffs next week, said it will take legal action with a
\nKorean court in the hope of claiming damage. It did not disclose
\ndetails, including how much it would demand in damages.<\/p>\n
The group said Internet cafe owners and department stores had
\nincurred millions of dollars in losses due to the attack.<\/p>\n
Last month, millions of South Korean Internet users were
\ninconvenienced by the virus-like computer infection which shut
\ndown Internet connections in many parts of South Korea.<\/p>\n
South Korea is one of the world's most computer-wired nations,
\nwith nearly two-thirds of its 48 million people having access to
\nthe Internet.<\/p>",
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