LYON, France - INTERPOL has joined with Microsoft and two U.S. law enforcement agencies in a new program to combat the criminal spread of viruses into the world's computer systems.

INTERPOL, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service will take advantage of a $5 million Anti-Virus Reward Program to help identify and bring to justice those who illegally release damaging viruses, worms and other types of malicious code through the Internet.

Microsoft will offer substantial monetary rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for such crimes. Residents of any country are eligible for the reward, according to the laws of that country, as cybercrime endangers national infrastructure and individuals worldwide.

INTERPOL will play a critical role in the anti-virus reward program by helping the world's police forces to share information. The role of INTERPOL, the world's largest international police organization, is particularly important because the Microsoft initiative is a global one.

The Microsoft reward program was announced on 5 November at a press conference in Washington, D.C.

'INTERPOL is particularly interested in fighting the malicious spreading of viruses because this represents truly borderless crime that requires a truly global response, a global collaboration between police and private industry,' INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said at the organization's headquarters in Lyon. 'This Microsoft reward program is an opportunity to continue building effective relationships between the world's police and the private sector in order to prevent and prosecute cybercrime.'

INTERPOL has a long involvement in the fight against cybercrime in its 181 member countries and, since 2001, a specialized High Tech Crime Unit has been working in Lyon. The organization has designed and implemented an 'early warning system' consisting of national specialised contact officers through which police can communicate directly with each other in real time using a standardised format known as a 'computer crime message'.

INTERPOL is committed to building partnerships with the private sector to fight cybercrime and the criminal spread of viruses on the Internet.

'While some might consider certain cybercrime offences to be little more than mischief, they actually threaten the physical security of all of those who rely on technology in their lives,' said Peter Nevitt, INTERPOL's Director of Information Systems and Technology. 'They can also lead to an unquantifiable waste of resources and serious damage to a country's electronic or digital infrastructure.'

For further information on INTERPOL's cybercrime initiatives and other international crime-fighting programs, consult www.INTERPOL.int or contact the Press Office via press@INTERPOL.int. For information on the Microsoft Anti-Virus reward program, contact the company's Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom; + 1- 503 443-7070, rrt@wagged.com.

For reporting information on malicious viruses and worms please contact Interpol, tel. +33 4 72 44 70 00, fax: + 33 4 72 44 71 63.