And the hits just keep on coming...

Bogus warnings can hurt more than real viruses. Here's how to detect them. (see a recent hoax virus message at the bottom of this page)

A tech-savvy friend recently forwarded an e-mail message to me, warning of a PC virus that antivirus software couldn't detect. The alert said that his PC had been infected and that the virus had already sent itself to everyone in his address book, including me. The virus would lie dormant for two weeks "before damaging the system."

Yikes! My friend's message identified jdbgmgr.exe as the infected file and told me to delete it. Horrible idea. The executable file in question is actually built into Windows. If you delete it, then some Web sites that rely on Java won't work properly. My friend had fallen for an old, but still circulating virus hoax.

It's just one of many virus hoaxes making the rounds these days--and they're not going away. In fact, most new hoaxes are merely older ones that have been modified and put back into circulation. In this way, virtually all hoaxes stick around for years. For details about the latest hoaxes, check out McAfee.com's hoax alerts page at… http://home.mcafee.com/virusinfo/VirusHoaxes.aspx
or see Symantec's list of hoaxes at… http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/threatexplorer/risks/hoaxes.jsp.

Meanwhile, have you been getting some unusual alerts lately? Here are some tips on how to identify virus hoaxes:

1. Detect the undetectable. Beware of warnings that claim a virus is undetectable. In general, if you keep your antivirus software up-to-date, your system will nab the latest viruses.
2. Study the subject. If the e-mail message's subject line includes words such as "Urgent," "Warning," or even "Virus Alert," it's often a good indication that you're dealing with a hoax. Read the e-mail message with great scepticism, not great urgency. The sense of urgency is usually the tip-off that it’s a hoax for me.
3. Beware of tech talk. Look out for pseudo-technical discussions on the dangers of the virus. Some hoax messages include pure gobbledygook.
4. Check the sources. To create an aura of credibility, a hoax often quotes a well-known company or agency, such as Microsoft, the Federal Communications Commission, an antivirus company or even Snopes.com! Check out the Web sites of the sources quoted above (or see your antivirus vendor's site). Remember also that Microsoft and almost every other organization out there never post virus alerts via e-mail.
5. Scrutinize the instructions. Beware of messages that insist you delete a file manually. True, at times you should do so, but in the context of the other tip-offs, this instruction should really raise a huge red flag.
6. Don't spread the word. False alerts always urge you to tell everyone you know. Genuine alerts never do. Ignore the instructions, delete the message, and don't alarm everyone on your mailing list.
7. Check the email on www.Snopes.com. Most email hoaxes are listed there (as are most of the world’s other rumours & hoaxes. In fact, many hoaxters use Snopes.com as the SOURCE to propagate MORE SPAM. Some people just have too much time on their hands. Once you have found that the email is a hoax, copy the internet address of the hoax from your browser and email the person that sent it to you and tell them where they can find that it is a hoax for themselves. Forewarned is forearmed!

Recent example of a Virus Hoax email:

FYI TO ALL.

Dave's brother is a very advanced programmer who does computer work for a living and has a high up status with Microsoft. He doesn't send these if they aren't real. If he says this is for real, it for sure is. Be aware.

VIRUS COMING !

Hi All, I checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!

I checked Snopes, and it is for real (yeah - a REAL HOAX). Get this E-mail message sent around to your contacts ASAP.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!

You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,' regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer.

This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.

If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even though sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN.

It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.

COPY THIS E-MAIL, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS.

REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US

Disclosures Regarding this Email Communication (Including Any Attachments)

Please visit for Additional Risk and Disclosure Information. Does not accept private client orders or account instructions by email. This email: (a) is not an official transaction confirmation or account statement; (b) is not an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to transact in any security; (c) is intended only for the addressee; and (d) may not be retransmitted to, or used by, any other party. This email may contain confidential or privileged information; please delete immediately if you are not the intended recipient. monitors emails and may be required by law or regulation to disclose emails to third parties.

This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.