T 5.80 Hoax

A hoax is a message containing a warning of new and spectacular computer viruses or other IT problems to generate widespread panic, which has no factual basis whatsoever. Such messages are usually distributed via emails. For example, such a message could warn users of computer viruses potentially causing hardware damage or leading to an infection and damage simply by opening an email (without even having to open an attachment) and that are not detected by any antivirus software. In addition to the warning itself, users are also asked to forward the warning to friends and acquaintances. This type of hoax is even more effective when the sender provides a false address, for example the address of a renowned manufacturer.

Such a hoax should not be confused with a computer virus, which can actually manipulate the IT system. Instead, a hoax is simply a misleading message that can and should be deleted without causing any damage. The only damage caused by a hoax is the irritation and uncertainty of the recipients and possibly the time and expense incurred by forwarding the hoax to others.

An entire series of such hoax messages were sent to mobile telephone users warning them that entering certain keyboard shortcuts or dialling certain telephone numbers on mobile telephones could allow someone to listen in on their calls or to make telephone calls at someone else's expense. The messages mentioned the names of certain brands of mobile telephones and contained some technical jargon to give the impression that the messages came from a serious source. Such rumours are hard to stop and make users unsure.

Example:

© Federal Office for Information Security. All rights reserved.