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The Virus Scenario

According to Microsoft, Visual Studio .NET is a comprehensive tool set for quickly and easily building and integrating XML web services, Microsoft Windows–based applications, and web solutions. When it was released, Microsoft proudly claimed, "The world takes a little step into the future." And it did. But not the kind of future that Microsoft envisioned.

Hyping its new product, Microsoft stated that developers who use Visual Studio .NET could build the next-generation Internet, create powerful applications fast and effectively, and span any platform or device.

In the Korean version of CD, they also could spread the W32/Nimda virus.

Microsoft accidentally distributed to developers a copy of the W32/Nimda virus in Korean versions of its Visual Studio .NET package. How? According to Christopher Flores, lead product manager for Visual Studio .NET, the virus infected a file on the CD after a third-party company translated the package into Korean. Somehow, the virus found its way onto the CD while residing on the translator's computers.

By blindly depending upon third-party vendors to protect their computer systems against viruses, Microsoft unwittingly gave this widely self-propagating virus an opportunity to infect the systems of developers who bought the package.

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Other Collection and Use of Information


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Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


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Sharing and Disclosure


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Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020