Hoaxes are usually a chained email that describes some highly unlikely type of virus or problem. The main idea of a hoax is to get you to email the message to everyone you know. You can usually spot a hoax because there is no file attachment and no third party verification of the virus claim. You are usually asked to send this message to everyone you know. They typically have technically sounding language and are creditable by association. Always verify with an expert before you send this type of message out.
The following are links to sites which specialize in hoaxes.
| Alphabetic Hoax List | Stiller Research's alphabetical list of hoaxes and viruses |
| Virus Myths | Describes various virus myths and hoaxes |
| Hoaxbusters | Hoax Busters The Big List of Internet Hoaxes |
| Symantec.com | Symantec's security response for hoaxes |
| Don't Spread | Don't Spread that Hoax! Offers references and advice |
| McAfee.com | McAfee's Virus Hoax page |
| Network Associates | Network Associates Hoax page |
| SOPHOS | SOPHOS Hoaxes and Scares page |
| F-Secure | F-Secure Anti-Virus |
| CIAC | US Department of Energy Ckomputer Incident Advisory Capability |
| TruSecure | TruSecure Corporation ISCA labs Hoax page |
| Teachers | Hoaxes | Viruses | Security Policies |
| Security Information | Hacking | Glossary | Certifications |
Created by Kelly S. Wright, July 2003
