Provincial government minimally affected by "I Love You" virus

Anna Thistle, President of Treasury Board, advises that the "I Love You" virus has minimally affected the provincial government�s computer operations.

Minister Thistle said the "I Love You" Virus was first detected Thursday morning by officials of the Information Technology Management Division of the Treasury Board Secretariat and blocking software was immediately installed on the government�s e-mail system to prevent more messages containing the virus from entering government�s computer system. Once the blocking software detected the virus on incoming e-mail messages, the messages were deleted.

"The information technology divisions across government are now scanning software programs to see where the virus hit before the blocking software was installed," said Minister Thistle. "Early reports indicate there weren�t any major files or systems affected."

In the few instances where the virus did get through, it damaged audio and video which are not considered critical to government operations. Efforts continue today to ensure all traces of the virus are deleted, said Minister Thistle.

Media contact: Carmel Parsons, (709) 729-6830.

2000 05 05                                     11:50 a.m.