Overcoming the Threats Posed by Computer Virus Hoaxes
Computer virus hoaxes are equally dangerous as real viral threats. This often comes in the form of an email that contains a message of warning to the recipient about the impending damage that a virus would cause to their computer. The email message will discuss what the virus is and what it can do to the system unless immediate action is taken. The most common plan of action suggested by the email hoax is to forward the message to others and warn them about the same type of virus.
There is no danger directly involved with such computer virus hoaxes themselves. However, the danger comes with the suggested plan of action that is included in the “chain email” that is sent to one’s inbox. Most of the virus hoax email would recommend deleting certain system files off the computer, indicating that this is the best way to get rid of the viral threat. In reality, it will only cause damage to the computer system even when there is no real existence of a viral threat.
There are a few common characteristics that are exhibited by computer virus hoaxes that make it easy for potential victims to identify. The most common tell-tale sign is when the content of the email is sensational in nature and places a lot of emphasis on the effect of the virus unless “proper” action is done. In this case, “proper” refers to the action plan suggested in the email itself. This is exactly the purpose of the email – to get the recipient to do what they want them to do, even if it meant using the name of reputable companies to convince victims.
One way to protect one’s self is to identify the common characteristics of leaked out virus hoaxes. The Antichrist virus hoax authored by Dylan Nicholas warned about a virus that was developed by McAfee and Microsoft. The email comes with a subject line “SURPRISE?!!!!!!!!!!!!” and attempts to destroy the zeroth sector of one’s computer system.
The Invitation attachment virus is another popular virus hoax that was leaked out by Jim Flanagan. It first came out in the year 2006 wherein an email suggested that computer users delete an email that contains an invitation attachment. This virus hoax indicated that it could cause the Olympic Torch virus to contaminate and destroy the system.
As soon as one receives such computer virus hoaxes in their email, it is best to delete them right away. NEVER forward the email to other people you know since it will only help to spread the malicious agenda of those who developed the email hoax. Instead, offer a word of warning to people within one’s network about the potential danger of the virus hoax.
Make sure to take preventive measures when handling virus alarms. Most large corporations have an IT department team that is skilled enough to handle such threats, if there are any. End users with little knowledge about computer viruses are discouraged from dealing with the situation on their own, or following the directions cited in the computer virus hoax email.
This knowledge can therefore be used to help in the prevention of damage caused by computer virus hoaxes. Ignore or immediately delete emails characteristic of a virus hoax to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
Find great deals on the best internet security software. Download antivirus software directly from Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro, Zone Labs and save instantly with special internet price.
Computer virus hoaxes are equally dangerous as real viral threats. This often comes in the form of an email that contains a message of warning to the recipient about the impending damage that a virus would cause to their computer. The email message will discuss what the virus is and what it can do to the system unless immediate action is taken. The most common plan of action suggested by the email hoax is to forward the message to others and warn them about the same type of virus.
There is no danger directly involved with such computer virus hoaxes themselves. However, the danger comes with the suggested plan of action that is included in the “chain email” that is sent to one’s inbox. Most of the virus hoax email would recommend deleting certain system files off the computer, indicating that this is the best way to get rid of the viral threat. In reality, it will only cause damage to the computer system even when there is no real existence of a viral threat.
There are a few common characteristics that are exhibited by computer virus hoaxes that make it easy for potential victims to identify. The most common tell-tale sign is when the content of the email is sensational in nature and places a lot of emphasis on the effect of the virus unless “proper” action is done. In this case, “proper” refers to the action plan suggested in the email itself. This is exactly the purpose of the email – to get the recipient to do what they want them to do, even if it meant using the name of reputable companies to convince victims.
One way to protect one’s self is to identify the common characteristics of leaked out virus hoaxes. The Antichrist virus hoax authored by Dylan Nicholas warned about a virus that was developed by McAfee and Microsoft. The email comes with a subject line “SURPRISE?!!!!!!!!!!!!” and attempts to destroy the zeroth sector of one’s computer system.
The Invitation attachment virus is another popular virus hoax that was leaked out by Jim Flanagan. It first came out in the year 2006 wherein an email suggested that computer users delete an email that contains an invitation attachment. This virus hoax indicated that it could cause the Olympic Torch virus to contaminate and destroy the system.
As soon as one receives such computer virus hoaxes in their email, it is best to delete them right away. NEVER forward the email to other people you know since it will only help to spread the malicious agenda of those who developed the email hoax. Instead, offer a word of warning to people within one’s network about the potential danger of the virus hoax.
Make sure to take preventive measures when handling virus alarms. Most large corporations have an IT department team that is skilled enough to handle such threats, if there are any. End users with little knowledge about computer viruses are discouraged from dealing with the situation on their own, or following the directions cited in the computer virus hoax email.
This knowledge can therefore be used to help in the prevention of damage caused by computer virus hoaxes. Ignore or immediately delete emails characteristic of a virus hoax to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
Find great deals on the best internet security software. Download antivirus software directly from Symantec, McAfee, Trend Micro, Zone Labs and save instantly with special internet price.