The " Nimda" program, which targets Windows-based servers and computers, struck internationally Wednesday, shutting down sites in Norway, Japan and elsewhere even as it seemed to be abating in the United States.

TORONTO (AP) -- As the latest Internet attack program, known as Nimda, spread around the world Wednesday, questions were raised about Canada' s ability to cope with a such a swift assault on its information infrastructure.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As American companies recovered from the latest Internet worm, the complex " Nimda" program struck companies around the world, shutting down sites in Norway, Japan and elsewhere.

WASHINGTON -- As American companies recovered from the latest Internet worm, the complex ``Nimda'' program struck companies around the world, shutting down sites in Norway, Japan and elsewhere.

Ashcroft said the FBI and private firms are assessing the impact of the program, known as "W32-Nimda," which might have affected tens of thousands of computers. As the program spreads, its activity can slow or shut down Internet service for regular users.