Truth About Computer Security Hysteria

AOL v4.0 cookie Trojan

Virus experts regard this alert as one of the more "original" hoaxes to come along in recent years. It tells the sad tale of three AOL programmers (one going through a divorce, another suffering from cancer) who got fired after they discovered malicious code buried deep within AOL's software.

Like many hoax alerts, it urges you to forward the chain letter "to as many people as you can (not just friends and family, as many as you can)!" It also urges you to tell non-AOL users in person, "especially important people" such as high-ranking city council members.

Variations of this alert appeared when AOL released version 5.0 of its access software. We can safely assume the hoax will resurface with every new software version.

Last updated: 2000/4/27