Computer virus experts lend a hand with pop group Laika's new
single
Sophos Anti-Virus, the world's leading anti-virus software
provider and Laika, the uber-cool pop group, have joined forces for
the release of Laika's new single 'Badtimes' at a time when the
computer virus LoveLetter is dominating the headlines.
Laika's single is an amusing take on the hysterical tone of
computer virus hoaxes such as 'Budweiser Frogs', 'It takes guts to
say Jesus' and the infamous 'Give your cat a colonic'. Sophos is
supporting the release of the song because it is committed to
educating the public about the dangers of computer viruses, whether
they are genuine or hoaxes.
"Virus hoaxes are a considerable problem and Sophos regularly
receives more enquiries about hoaxes than any individual real
virus," said Graham Cluley, head of corporate communications for
Sophos. "Furthermore, the havoc caused by the recent LoveLetter
virus proves that anything which generates interest and awareness
about computer virus issues and computer safety can only be a good
thing, which is why we were keen to get involved with the release
of this single."
"Our song reflects an increasingly on-line world culture where
ideas, information and music are exchanged electronically across
continents," said Margaret Fiedler, lead vocalist for Laika. "The
escalated use of email across the internet is a true phenomenon of
this century and this whole concept made an excellent source of
inspiration for the lyrics to 'Badtimes'. Our use of the actual
words from the genuine Badtimes hoax is a satirical slight on the
panic which has surrounded email virus hoaxes in the past, but the
irony has been compounded by all the media attention which the
LoveLetter virus has justifiably received recently."
You can read more about virus hoaxes: Sophos describes hoaxes.
To receive notifications of genuine computer viruses, subscribe
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Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.