Security news
Security news28 February 2003
Internet timebomb won't explode on 03/03/03, says Sophos Anti-Virus
Sophos, a global leader in anti-virus protection for businesses, has debunked a chain letter being distributed via email predicting that the internet will stop working on Monday, 3 March 2003.
The email claims that the so-called "Year 2003 Bug" was discovered on 23 February, and that essential internet equipment will be triggered to stop working on the 030303 date.
According to the chain letter:
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"No one can predict how much and how long the outage could be for. Even the experts have disagreed on the time length, some saying 24 hours, others suggesting it could be until network administrators patch the firmware."
"Hoaxes and chain letters like this feed on computer users' fear and lack of knowledge of technical issues," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos Anti-Virus. "Unfortunately many people will innocently pass it onto their friends and colleagues believing that they are being helpful. However, like many things you may read on the web, it is utter codswallop."
To keep informed about the most prevalent hoaxes, you can add a free Sophos information feed to your own website or intranet.
