Hackers saw holes faster than systems managers
It appears that computer virus writers, who used to pore endlessly over operating system code looking for potential security holes left by the Windows programmers at Microsoft, have found a more efficient way to create havoc. They wait for Microsoft to find the holes and issue fixes -- patches, in the jargon -- and then quickly cobble up new viruses they hope can infect computers before they're vaccinated.
That's what happened earlier this week when computers used by ABC, CNN and The New York Times, among others, were hit by as many as 11 new mutations of the Zotob virus. Microsoft had disclosed the vulnerability on Aug. 9, at the same time it released the patch. Within days hackers were on the attack.
