Is it a Virus or not?

Although there are thousands of computer viruses discovered each year, there are still some that only exist in the imaginations of the public and the press.

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A virus hoax is a false warning about a computer virus. Typically, the warning arrives in an e-mail that comes from a colleague or a friend or associate. These notes are usually forwarded to many people at a time and they will typically suggest that the recipient forward the “warming” to as many people as possible. If you get a message about a new virus, you can check it out by asking the Information Technology HelpLine or a skilled computer user that keeps up with viruses and virus hoaxes. If someone sends you a note about a virus that you learn is a virus hoax, reply to the sender that the virus warning is a hoax.

Below is a link to a comprehensive list of viruses that DO NOT EXIST, despite rumor of their creation and distribution. You will need your NXInetkey to be open to access the page.

F-Secure’s Virus Hoax List

Please ignore any messages received regarding the supposed “viruses” or “promotional gimmicks” listed above and do not pass on any messages about them. They all contain bogus information, and are intended only to frighten or confuse users. Do not forward or pass these messages on as it only serves to further propagate them. There are better things to do with your time than forward on hoax messages.