THIS VIRUS WARNING IS A HOAX [re: "WIN A HOLIDAY" --see message at bottom]. You can check it out at http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACHoaxes.html Some consider it inappropriate (poor "netiquette") to post virus warnings without first taking the time to inform oneself as to the truth or falsehood of a "new" virus rumour you learn of about... no matter how trustworthy the alleged "original source" is (typically AOL, IBM, Microsoft, gov't agencies). There are several authoritative www sites that will give you peace of mind and keep you updated [just bookmark the URLS or register for the email warnings]. There can be real harm to the 'net just by forwarding virus warnings. If you get one... PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD IT. Same for email chain letters - most are also HOAXES. Here's what YOU can do for self-protection, peace of mind and to keep informed. {All URLs were checked today and all links were alive and working/grh) Either: (1) check the virus warning out yourself to see if it's a HOAX (especially the older ones that are well known) [bookmark any of these www sites -- tho' CIAC is the best] < http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACHoaxes.html > gov't site; always up-to-date with the latest HOAXes < http://www.av.ibm.com/current/FrontPage > Big Blue's not bad; N.B.: The IBM virus group recently merged with Symantec [Norton AntiVirus product] < http://www.av.ibm.com/BreakingNews/HypeAlert > HOAXes only < http://www.av.ibm.com/BreakingNews/VirusAlert > Real Virus Alerts < http://www.nai.com/services/support/hoax/hoax.asp > fair to poor < http://urbanlegends.miningco.com > good plain English writeups < http://www.kumite.com/myths > well done site - easy plain English < http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/CIACChainLetters.html > more on Hoaxes < http://afcert.csap.af.mil/hoaxes.HTML > an official site of the United States Air Force computer security organization. or,(2) keep informed about new REAL VIRUSES by subscribing to a reliable, free, VIRUS ALERT warning newsletter. One of the best is found at the Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus software www site: < http://www.drsolomon.com/vircen/index.cfm > Another -- subscribe to the CIAC Maillist (via CIAC URL above). This "Virus Central" page at Dr Solomon's includes a link to sign up for their automatic email notification of new viruses. I've been on Dr. Solomon's list for 4 months and have received eight notices (their most recent one was issued today)-- so no need to worry about too many emails... FYI.... others to bookmark (aka "Favorites") Dr Sol's main page is < http://www.drsolomon.com/home/home.cfm > McAfee, another prominent antivirus software maker has a Virus Information & Technical Documentation page at < http://www.nai.com/vinfo > (incl link to their HOAX page) [NOTE: Dr. Solomon's AV has been acquired this week by NAI (who also own McAfee). So-o-o-o.., Watch for some changes in the months ahead. Help keep HOAXES from propagating!! // Thanks, Gord Hines (in Regina SK Canada) On Wed 10 June, 1998, [email protected] wrote: > > I just received this and thought I should share it! > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > Subject: FW: Virus Notice > Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1998 07:36:59 -0500 > From: "Susie Q" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > > THIS MESSAGE WAS FORWARDED TO ME FROM OUR ACCOUNT MANAGER. THOUGHT YOU > MIGHT BE INTRESTED. > > > > >>> > >>> If you receive an email titled "WIN A HOLIDAY" - DO NOT open it. > >>> It will erase everything on your hard drive. Forward this letter > >>> out to as many people as you can. This is a new, very malicious > >>> virus and not many people know about it. This information was > >>> announced yesterday morning from Microsoft; please share it with > >>> everyone that might access the internet. > >>> Once again, pass this along to everyone in your address book so > >>> that this may be stopped. > >>> > >