February 15, 2006
Veronique De Freitas
A new email warning about a destructive virus is a hoax, experts say.
The 'Olympic Torch' hoax emails tell web users that opening emails with the subject line 'Invitation' could launch the most destructive virus ever, one that detroys computer hard discs.
Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for security company Sophos, said: ?The warning is clearly nonsense and no such virus exists. However, hoaxes and chain letters like this are not harmless - they waste time and bandwidth, and can push people to take the worst possible action. Users need to think whether everything they are told can be believed.
"Hoaxes like this exist because it's so easy to forward an electronic warning to all of your friends and colleagues, and many people who may be suspicious of the warning decide it's better to be safe than sorry." Cluley added.
Topic: Virus warning email is a hoax (Read 780 times)