3 April 2003
World Trade Center virus hoax continues to cause problems
Over 18 months after it first appeared, a hoax email warning about a non-existent virus dubbed WTC Survivor continues to cause problems for computer users worldwide.
The hoax email, which is unwittingly forwarded by unsuspecting computer users to their friends and colleagues, warns not to open any emails with the subject line "WTC Survivor". The warning claims that if such emails are opened the recipient's entire C: drive will be wiped.
The hoax has recently had a resurgence in popularity, after a newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates mistakenly published a warning believing the hoax to be true. As a consequence, Sophos experts report that WTC Survivor appears to be currently the most prevalent email hoax in circulation on the internet -overtaking the hoax which held the long term number one position, JDBGMGR.
"Obviously whenever a media organisation endorses a hoax it gives the hoax extra credibility and more people are likely to believe it," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos Anti-Virus. "Users should be suspicious of virus warnings they receive via email, and double-check them with reputable anti-virus organisations before forwarding them onto colleagues."
The top ten hoaxes reported to Sophos during March 2003 are as follows:
Sophos has made available a free, constantly updated information feed for intranets and websites which means users can always find out about the latest viruses and hoaxes.
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