Dean's World
 Defending the liberal tradition in history, science, and philosophy.

.:: Dean's World: Internet Hoaxes ::.

April 05, 2004

Internet Hoaxes

Medic Mom has some thoughts on internet hoaxes that you might want to share with some of your friends who send you email.

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I'm quite fascinated with email hoaxes - especially the ones warning against alleged computer viruses - because they are viruses. They propogate in the same way, and although the damage is not nearly as rampant as some of the fake viruses they're warning against, they still suck away time and resources.

The amazing part is their method of transmission - physical viruses rely merely on one person coming in contact with another, computer viruses rely on a similar virtual connection, and in general transmission only occurs if the hosts aren't aware they're infected. But email hoaxes are quite sophisticated - they work by tricking the infected host (the user with their computer) into believing that not only are they benevolent entities, but that it's imperative that the host transmit them. It's a really effective method.

Not that I'm condoning the propogation of any kind of virus of course, but viruses in general have always fascinated me.

Posted by Kiwi on April 05, 2004 at 7:11 PM


What I find fascinating was the email I got last week from "The LucysIsland Support Team".

There is NO such thing, since I'm Lucy and I'd know :)

I then got several others. From various people at "LucysIsland.com" in customer service, account management, etc.

Obviously, there's no way to contact the real people behind the messages. THATS what drives me crazy because I'd just love to point out how stupid they are.

Posted by Lucy on April 06, 2004 at 4:58 PM


 



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