Quick Facts

Introduction to Viruses

1. What is a computer virus?
2. What kind of files can spread viruses?
3. How do viruses spread?
4. What do viruses do to computers?
5. Virus Hoaxes
   

The Importance of Back Ups

Defining the Value of Information Security

Artistic Value

It's the Principle that Counts

Value Squared

Reaching the CEO's

They Just Want to Run Their Business

Virus Hoaxes

With increased use of the Internet there is a growing number of viruses that can be spread via email. Many computer users use the Internet to warn friends and colleagues of these threats. At the same time, there has also been a growth of virus hoax warnings. These warnings describe viruses with impossible characteristics. They can cause panic and lead to misconceptions about computer viruses. Forwarding these hoax warnings on only perpetuates the problem, and can waste time and system resources.

Identifying a Hoax

Virus hoaxes follow a basic pattern, which should give it away for what it is. Typical phrases in the body of a virus hoax might be:

• Do not open! Doing so will result in the deletion of all of the files on your hard drive!
• Forward this message to all your friends!
• This is not a hoax!
• Look for emphatic statements, the frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
• Warning messages encouraging you to forward the information to all your email contacts will often be hoaxes. Read these messages carefully and use your common sense. Look for inconsistencies, some hoaxes have nothing to do with viruses. Instead, they may promise the user something free in return for forwarding the message. A good source of information on common e-mail Hoaxes can be found at: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

From: James Cook University - http://www.library.jcu.edu.au/InfoHelp/Guides/virus/