Truth About Computer Security Hysteria

Revisiting the mi2g controversy

LONGTIME VMYTHS READERS know of a company called "mi2g." They earned a spot in our "hysteria roll call" resource when we first created it.

Well, mi2g finally got tired of our criticism. They recently threatened to sue us over it. Employee Jan Andresen sent a rather cordial email on 19 July with "urgent" in the subject line:

"We are considering legal action against your organisation."

Dear Mr Rosenberger

I know we have been in touch with each other through Louise Selley in the past.

This is to inform you that we are considering legal action against your organisation for publishing material about mi2g which is not true and illfounded. Furthermore, we consider your publication of DK Matai, our CEO's photograph, without authorisation to be an infringement of his privacy. We are extremely concerned about this.

We would like you to remove:

1. The photograph of DK Matai from your web site(s) by the close of play today - 19th July 2002.

2. Please remove any reference to mi2g which you cannot back in a court of law by 22nd July 2002. You are welcome to publish opinion about us, whether positive or negative, but we would urge you to be ready to have facts, figures and numbers ready to defend your position.

We thank you for your interest in mi2g and in anticipation of your full co-operation, I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you and all the best,

Yours sincerely

Jan Andresen
Intelligence Unit
mi2g

This eMail is confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify us immediately. You should not copy or use it for any purpose, nor disclose its contents to any other person. We believe that this eMail and any attachments, are virus free. You should take full responsibility for virus checking. mi2g reserves the right to monitor all Internet traffic through their internal and external networks.

YOU NEED TO appreciate the incredibly good timing of this legal threat. It arrived while I played VIP at a computer conference — and where Vmyths' Internet lawyer happened to be on a couple of panels. We discussed mi2g's demands while relaxing on a sunlit patio.

Our lawyer did not study the allegedly libelous criticisms but he did express confidence in our legal position. He also said we could ignore the "confidential privileged blah blah blah" disclaimer at the bottom of mi2g's email. Our lawyer reviewed my reply before it went out:

"Thank you for threatening to sue Vmyths. I'll address your two major points..."

Dear Jan,

Thank you for threatening to sue Vmyths. I'll address your two major points:

1. We did not violate your founder's privacy when we published two of his press photos. We acquired the first photo from your press page (still available for review [here] if you'd like to see it). Your firm sent the second press photo to us, unsolicited, along with a copy of your founder's press bio.

2. In general, we stand by our criticisms of mi2g & its founder. However, Vmyths prides itself for an industry-leading "corrections & clarifications" page. Please write to [VeaCulpa] to contest our claims & accusations; please write to [Letters] to rebut our opinions & criticisms.

I didn't know you worked in the mi2g "intelligence unit," Jan. Congrats! I certainly do look forward to your next email.

Rob Rosenberger, Vmyths editor

This reply is public and is intended for our entire readership. If you are not subscribed to our weekly newsletter, please sign up immediately. Unlike mi2g, we believe that this eMail and any attachments are virus free. Unlike mi2g, we took full responsibility for virus checking it. We reserve the right to expose mi2g's shenanigans. Do not read this email while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Some assembly required. Freshest if read before date on carton. Contents may settle during shipment. Read only in a well-ventilated area. Internet postage will be paid by addressee. This is not an offer to sell mi2g security services. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some readers. See store manager for further details. For recreational use only. Do not disturb mi2g. If stupidity persists, consult your psychiatrist. No user-serviceable parts inside mi2g. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Reading email constitutes your acceptance of agreement. For off-road use only. Many suitcases look alike. Not affiliated with mi2g. Edited for television. Keep cool; process promptly. Internet postal carrier will not deliver without postage. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error, or failure to perform on the part of mi2g. No dogs allowed, except those leading mi2g. Do not write below this line. Add toner. Place stamp here. Sanitized for mi2g's protection. Sign here without admitting guilt. Beware of dog. You must be present to win your court case. Keep laptop away from fire or flame. No Canadian bills please. First pull up, then pull down. Call toll free before digging. mi2g's driver carries less than $20 cash. This supersedes all previous mi2g notices.

[Continued in part 2]