Truth About Computer Security Hysteria

Red Alert virus

Vmyths.com considers it one of the few "truly original" hoax alerts to come along in recent years (and brilliantly written, too). It claims a deadly computer virus infected Microsoft's home page and would destroy any computer which visits www.microsoft.com using the Internet Explorer browser.

The alert recommended a short-term antivirus solution: "stay off Microsoft's home page until further notice."

This hoax alert didn't dupe people with a bunch of technobabble — it instead talked about quarrels between Microsoft and a well-known antivirus expert. The devil's in the gossip, not just the details.

Last updated: 2000/9/24