Microsoft reward program targets viruses

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. is creating a $5 million reward program to help law enforcement identify and convict those who illegally release worms, viruses and other types of malicious programs on the Internet.
Microsoft said today the first two rewards it will offer will be for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the spread of the MSBlast.A worm and the SoBig virus unleashed earlier this year.
The company offered $250,000 rewards for each.
Those two malicious programs attacked computers that ran Microsoft's Windows operating system and caused widespread problems for companies and home users earlier this year.
Microsoft executives made the announcement, flanked by representatives of the FBI, Secret Service and Interpol international police agency. Residents of any country are eligible for the rewards, officials said.