There are a lot of viruses out there. But some aren't really out there at all. Virus hoaxes are more than mere annoyances. They may lead some users to routinely ignore all virus warning messages, leaving them vulnerable to a genuine, destructive virus.
The next time you receive an urgent virus warning message, be sure to check the list of known virus hoaxes. A common hoax is the Jdbgmgr.exe hoax. It describes an otherwise legitimate system file as being a virus that is not detected by McAfee or Norton and it stays quiet for 14 days before damaging the system. The file in question, coincidentally, is displayed with a teddy bear icon and is often convincing as a result.
Remember to never open an e-mail attachment unless you know what it is -- even if it's from someone you know and trust.
Some of the common phrases used in these hoaxes are:
- If you receive an email titled [email virus hoax name here], do not open it!
- Delete it immediately! It contains the [hoax name] virus.
- It will delete everything on your hard drive and [extreme and improbable danger specified here].
- This virus was announced today by [reputable organization name here].
- Forward this warning to everyone you know!
- Forward this warning to everyone you know!
Remember that virus writers can use known hoaxes to their advantage. For example, AOL4FREE began as a hoax virus warning. Somebody then distributed a destructive Trojan attached to the original hoax virus warning! The lessons are clear:
- Always remain vigilant
- Never open a suspicious attachment