'Messages that are not a joke' (Virus Hoax Messages)

In this age of computer virus scare, users can be saved by taking time to think through their response to dire warnings about virus attacks. There have been cases where a hoax message guides PC users to delete files that are necessary for the operation of their PCs, in the name of fending off the effects of a virus that is allegedly residing on it.

Messages that are not a joke presents some tips on how to respond to such warnings. The cardinal rule is to first VERIFY any warning received by mail before passing it on to everyone in your mailing list, otherwise you might be responsible for destroying the computer equipment. Find the article at: http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/content.cfm?articleid=860&PID=4402422

Some sites you can visit to check on the validity of a computer virus warning:

• Symantec Antivirus Response Hoax Page
  http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
• About.com Antivirus Software
  http://antivirus.about.com/mbody.htm
• McAfee Anti-Virus
  http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp?
• McAfee-AVERT(Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team) Virus Information Library
  http://vil.nai.com/VIL/default.asp
• Jeff Richards' Virus Hoaxes and Netlore
  http://hoaxinfo.com/

In addition to computer virus hoax messages, another hoax email type is the health-related type. For example, the Klingerman virus alert about people becoming ill with a viral infection after handling a sponge contained in a package marked, "A gift for you from the Klingerman Foundation." A good source to check on health related e-mail hoaxes is the US Center for Diseases Control website at: http://www.cdc.gov/hoax_rumors.htm.

A final word, keep your anti-virus software up-to-date, be very mindful of the attachments you choose to open (especially unsolicited documents), and check the validity of the virus warnings you receive. Refer to TechTip: 5 Tips to keep your computer virus-free for more information.

For queries regarding this tip, or requests for tips, please write to techtips@wougnet.org