California

This hoax email warns that if you receive an email with an attached file called "California", you should not open the file as it contains the "WOBBLER" virus. It claims that this virus deletes all the files on the hard disk, and that it can run from Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, and can work on both PCs and Macintosh computers. The hoax attributes this information to a report from IBM.

Whilst there is a joke program called WOBBLER or JOKE/WIN-WOBBLE (which makes the windows on your computer wobble), it is not a virus, and does not have the side-effects described in this message. It is a hoax.

Many virus hoaxes:

• falsely claim to describe an extremely dangerous virus
• use pseudo-technical language to make impressive-sounding (but impossible) claims
• falsely claim that the report was issued or confirmed by a well-known company
• ask you to forward it to all your friends and colleagues

As usual, you are urged not to pass on warnings of this kind, as the continued re-forwarding of these hoaxes simply wastes time and email bandwidth.

It is possible that you may receive a hoax via email with a file attached. Obviously, such file attachments should be treated with caution as they may be virus infected. Sophos recommends deleting virus hoax emails, whether they contain file attachments or not.

Sophos suggests a policy to help prevent hoaxes from spreading in your company.