UK Coastguard computers crash from virus
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3682803.stm


Computer systems of the British Coastguard were bought down by a computer worm virus on May 4, 2004, the BBC reports. 

The worm hit all 19 coastguard stations and the service's main headquarters. Fax and telex machines were put out of action. 

Staff were not able to use electronic chart systems and had to rely on paper charts, the BBC reports.  The paper chart system had "served the coastguard well over many years," a spokesperson was quoted as saying. "Staff were all fully trained in using paper maps instead of computer systems."

The coastguard said that search and rescue operations, and communications with ships at sea, were not affected and there was no danger to the public. It did not affect its command and control systems. 

The worm does not spread by virus attachments, but spreads between computers which have not recently downloaded their  "Windows updates" to plug security holes. 

The worm also the Taiwan post office, forcing 400 of its 1,200 branch offices to revert to pen and paper; it also stopped trains in Australia because a computer problem disrupted radio systems.