sharp@mizar.usc.edu (Malcolm Sharp) (04/11/91)
In the April 1, 1991 issue of Infoworld, John Gantz in his column "Tech Street" warned of a virus called "AF/91" which he said was developed by the NSA to be used against Iraqui defense computers. After describing the virus and telling that it started spreading uncontrolled, he told that windowing technology was "doomed." In the same issue, columnist Robert Cringely discussed Windows 3.0 vulnerability to viruses saying it "has lots of holes for custom viruses to slip through." In the April 8 issue, Mr. Gantz's column begins with a note from the Editors saying AF/91 was all an April Fools joke. I'm not laughing. I'm searching for the adjectives to describe this irresponsible act. Anyone else spend time investigating this virus from the 4/1 columns? I'm *seriously* considering a class action suit for compensatory (small $) and punitive (BIG $$$) damages. Interested in hearing from others. Malcolm Sharp, U.S.C. (Opinions are my own and don't reflect those of my employer... though we did just double the size of our Law Center.)
CAH0@gte.com (Chuck Hoffman) (04/16/91)
sharp@mizar.usc.edu (Malcolm Sharp) writes: > I'm not laughing. No, I guess you're not. It sounds like you went to a lot of trouble in response to it. > I'm searching for the adjectives to describe this irresponsible > act. > > Anyone else spend time investigating this virus from the 4/1 columns? "Thoughtless," maybe. "Irresponsible?" I don't think so. He's not responsible for what you do on the basis of one, uncorroborated report. I think I might have checked with this network first before spending a lot of time. > I'm *seriously* considering a class action suit for compensatory > (small $) and punitive (BIG $$$) damages. > > Interested in hearing from others. Maybe you should hear from John Gantz (privately). You didn't mention whether or not you called him to discuss this before you put a lot of effort in. I've called authors of professional articles and textbooks several times, and they all have seemed pleased to get the call. They've all had more to say than was actually in print. A call might have helped, here. Or even a non-public exchange of e-mail, before launching a difficult virus hunt. I'm sorry that you went to such trouble. Maybe a little beforehand communication with the net or the author will be helpful next time something like this comes up, and it might save you a lot of effort. - - Chuck Hoffman, GTE Laboratories, Inc. | I'm not sure why we're here, cah0@bunny.gte.com | but I am sure that while we're Telephone (U.S.A.) 617-466-2131 | here, we're supposed to help GTE VoiceNet: 679-2131 | each other. GTE Telemail: C.HOFFMAN |