[A] access [B] component [C] comprehensive [D] diagnose [E] extent

[F] extreme [G] incalculable [H] initially [I] neglected [J] potential

[K] practically [L] replaced [M] staff [N] threatened [O] vulnerable

Computer experts have been gripped by fear of a dangerous illness. It is highly infectious, difficult to 【C1】________and in many cases impossible to cure.

It is not computer experts or programming【C2】_____who are likely to be affected, but rather the electronic data banks themselves. Computer programmes are【C3】__by a computer “virus” that can pull down entire computer networks once it has been secretly brought into the system. The viruses were【C4】_____quite harmless.

Amateur computer enthusiasts secretly brought them into big electronic systems, where they showed up as little messages or games. Such spectacular cases of computer espionage have shown that the big data banks are efficient, but also【C5】________.

Many experts complain that computer safety has been【C6】_____for too long. By threatening to place a computer virus into the heart of the electronic data system, a large company could be put under【C7】__pressure. The damage by computer viruses is already【C8】__. The secret thing about computer viruses is that if they are well programmed they will spread throughout the entire system unnoticed. Bit by bit they infect the programmes that they have【C9】_____to and then one day they jump into action all at once.

And there seems to be hardly any countermeasures. The chance of finding a computer virus in an electronic system without【C10】________know-how and technical programme assistance is practically zero.

【C7】