Mass Hacker Attack on Sunday, July 6?Urban Legends and Folklore Blog |
|
« Library Not Sinking, University Insists |
Main
| The Blob »
July 02, 2003Mass Hacker Attack on Sunday, July 6?Yes, the news reports currently ricocheting through cyberspace are correct: security experts say they have 'credible evidence' that hackers/crackers are planning a simultaneous attack on as many as 6,000 Websites this coming Sunday, July 6 which could disrupt Internet traffic. Though some suspect the Web-publicized 'Defacers Challenge contest' has been overhyped and may even be a hoax (see update), officials are leaving nothing to chance, recommending to administrators of government and corporate networks that all due precautions be taken. And what of ordinary users? Aside from possibly being inconvenienced, the average Internet user has little to fear from the attack itself, antivirus expert Mary Landesman informs me, although the publicity surrounding it could inspire copycats and wannabes to unleash new viruses or other forms of malicious mischief this weekend. Rather than avoiding the Internet on Sunday — or any other day, for that matter — you can stay safe, sane and online, says Mary, just by making sure your antivirus software is up-to-date, downloading the latest security patches where applicable and, if you don't already have it, installing firewall protection. Need a checklist of computer safety tips? Here you go. |
Explore Urban Legends