Remember Fujacks?

Fujacks was just one name for the worm that affected a varying number of computer users in China early this year. Some Chinese media reports put the number of victimized computers in the millions, but Western analysts complained at the time that those figures weren’t accurate.

The malware created images of a panda bear juggling sticks as it spread from computer to computer.

So call it Fujacks or the Panda worm or the Panda burning incense worm, but it’s creator has received four years in jail – and a number of job offers, according to his lawyer.

Haowei Ren and Vu Nguyen of McAfee Avert Labs said it will be interesting to see where Li Jun ends up in a few years.

“During the trial, Li Jun’s lawyer attempts to show his value to Chinese society showing an offer letter from a networking company in Hangzhou that is interested in making Li Jun their CTO. His attorney goes on to say that he has received over 10 offers from different companies that are willing to pay Li Jun over 1 million China Yuan per year.

In his closing remarks, Li Jun’s lawyer was quoted as saying ‘A rare talent who is now regretful of his deeds and hopes to utilize his talents to contribute to society.’”

-Haowei Ren, Vu Nguyen, McAvert Labs Blog, Sept. 25, “W32/Fujacks author faces prison: Justice served or a slap on the wrist?”

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant and chief spokesman at Sophos, noted that businesses could be sending the wrong message when hiring former hackers and attackers.

“It’s important that the IT community does not send out a message that writing viruses or worms is cool, or a fast track into employment,” Cluley said in a news release this week.