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.

The concept of computer virus hoaxes itself does not present any real danger. The real danger comes in the form of the “chain” of events that the email would suggest for the user to do, especially since the information contained in the email is malicious in nature. The message in the email typically recommends deleting a certain file off your system to eliminate the viral threat, which would render it unusable. It is typically too late until the user realizes the impact of the action and the damage caused to the system becomes irreversible.

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.

There is a long list of virus hoaxes that have been identified over the years and one can study them to identify email hoaxes in the future. One example is the Antichrist virus hoax, which was created by Dylan Nicholas. The virus claims to have come from software that is developed by McAfee and Microsoft. The victims of this virus hoax noted that the email contained the subject line “SURPRISE?!!!!!!!!!” and destroys the zeroth sector of the computer.

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.

Most major corporations follow a strict guideline when it comes to dealing with such virus hoaxes. They often assign a team of IT professionals to manage the presence of viruses, in case they are identified. Hence, computer users are advised against taking their own action regarding the matter.

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.

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Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: computer virus,spyware,internet security,computer,software,internet