Virus Hoaxes
Virus Hoaxes, As Bad As The Real Thing?
Computer viruses cause real damage to systems or lead to
data theft. The consequences are lost time, broken programs
and sometimes real money stolen.
A hoax can have these same consequences.
A virus hoax is typically distributed by e-mail to 'warn'
recipients of a new threat to computer systems security.
After detailing how this new virus is a serious threat, the
e-mail advises you to forward the message to everyone you
know. This 'chain letter' effect causes one kind of real
harm.
Virus hoaxes can circulate widely. Suppose a recipient
distributes it to 10 people and each of those 10 people
distribute it to 10 more people, and so on down the line.
After only six generations, one million bogus e-mail
messages will circulate throughout the Internet. By the
seventh generation the number reaches 10 million, and by the
eighth generation - 100 million e-mail messages that serve
no purpose are clogging up networks worldwide.
This effect can cause servers or routers (specialized
computers that route Internet traffic) to slow down or even
crash.
Often such hoaxes are forwarded with good intentions. A
classic example is the e-mail warning about a virus called
'Deeyenda', circulating since 1995. It claims a virus called
Deeyenda is circulating via e-mail. The e-mail explains the
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has issued warnings
about this virus, and advises the recipient to pass the
message on.
Everything about the warning is false. Viruses can't be
activated by reading a text e-mail and the FCC doesn't issue
warnings about viruses. (Spyware, yes. But then it's not
usually a warning, but the annoucement of a criminal
indictment.) Furthermore, there has never been a virus
called Deeyenda.
Even a hoax can do real system damage. Some warn the user to
delete certain files allegedly containing the virus. Such
files are typically (unknown to the average user, of course)
critical to proper computer operation. Deleting them may
have no immediate effect - until the system is re-booted and
fails to start.
How to Combat Virus Hoaxes
Fighting a hoax starts with 'recognizing the enemy'.
One clue that a warning is bogus is the use of technical
jargon. The 'Good Times' virus hoax contained this warning:
'If the program is not stopped, the computer's processor
will be placed in an nth-complexity infinite binary loop
which can severely damage the processor.' This sounds very
impressive, but in fact there is no such thing as an
nth-complexity infinite binary loop. Also, no processor can
be harmed by excessive use. Your system may be too busy to
process desired commands, but no actual harm is done to the
hardware.
Virus hoaxes often contain references to real organizations
such as the FCC or a company specializing in antivirus
software. If the warning is real, it'll be easy to verify on
these organizations' web sites. If the virus warning is
real, you can expect to find references to it in print, on
television, as well as all over the Internet.
It should go without saying, though some have fallen prey,
one should never 'buy' from someone unknown proposing to
'cure' your virus infection. There are many legitimate
antivirus vendors - some offer downloadable products, others
provide a service over the Internet. But all can be verified
by reviews in trade publications and valid testimonials from
trusted sources.
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