Mr Scarfo used an encryption program to scramble his computer files so that when the FBI gained access to his hard disk in January 1999, it was unable to unscramble them without the password.

BBC: FBI keeps its bugging secrets

The program uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to communicate with its control server whose address is 212.7.208.65 .

FORBES: New Trojan Backdoor Malware Targets Mac OS X And Linux, Steals Passwords And Keystrokes

Once launched, the virus is designed to install a Trojan horse or backdoor program, and allow investigators to record everything typed into that machine, thereby getting around encryption and passwords.

CNN: Top Technology Stories for 2001