Sasser author nabbed
The week's news at a glance.
Waffensen, Germany
The high school senior who created the Sasser computer virus was arrested this week after somebody tipped off Microsoft to his identity. Sven Jaschan, a geeky loner whose mother runs a computer store, reportedly confessed, but said he had no idea how much trouble his handiwork had caused. The virus does not erase data, but it causes computers to keep rebooting. Within a week, it wreaked havoc everywhere from Finland, where it shut down a major bank, to Taiwan, where it crippled the postal service. Jaschan, who just turned 18, will be tried as a juvenile. If he is convicted, Microsoft will pay the anonymous tipster $250,000.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rights
The Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibe
The Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
-
Codeword: October 8, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle