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FBI and US Marshals' computers hit by virus

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and US Marshals have been forced to shut down some of their computer networks due to an internet security threat, it has been reported.

An unknown computer virus that came to light this week has led to the action, according to the Associated Press (AP), which has stated that the shut down was a precautionary measure.

Officials from both bodies have confirmed the incident, with FBI spokesman Mike Kortan telling AP that they are "evaluating a network issue on our external, unclassified network that's affecting several government agencies".

While acknowledging the online security issue, US Marshals spokeswoman Nikki Credic said the online threat and its origin is yet to be determined but "at no time was data compromised".

Government computers have been targeted by crooks before.

Security expert Finjan recently revealed that it had discovered a botnet consisting of nearly two million machines and UK government computers were part of those infected.

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