Security news14 July 2000
Sophos calls for calm over Smash virus hype
Sophos, Europe's leading developer of corporate anti-virus solutions, has advised computer users not to panic over the W95/Smash virus, following significant media attention the virus has received as a result of another anti-virus vendor's press release.
Sophos points out that, although W95/Smash is programmed to activate today, the virus does not pose a significant threat.
"The average user is more likely to be abducted by the Martians from the Smash mashed potato advert than get hit by this virus," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos Anti-Virus. "Not only does this virus not appear to be spreading in the wild, but most anti-virus products have been protecting against it since the beginning of May!"
Sophos has published information about the Smash virus online.
