UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Hit by Sasser Worm

Event Year: 2004 Reliability: Confirmed
Country: United Kingdom
Industry Type: Other
Description:

The Sasser bug affected coastguard logging operations but left its command and control systems and lifesaving equipment unaffected.

German student, Sven Jaschan, has been formally charged with computer sabotage, data manipulation and disruption of public systems by German prosecutors.

Impact:

The Sasser worm has hit all 19 coastguard stations and the service’s headquarters, leaving officers reliant on pens and paper. According to the UK Coastguard there was no danger to the public - its computer mapping facilities were not working, but staff were still able to use a paper based system known as “Pinkies”.

The Sasser bug has affected coastguard logging operations but left its command and control systems and lifesaving equipment unaffected. Coastguard staff were still able to use telephones and radios, but fax and telex machines were put out of action. (#1)