Y2K Commission Issues Alert

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http://currents.net/newstoday/99/12/19/news1.html

Daily News Y2K Commission Issues Alert By Adam Creed, Newsbytes. December 19, 1999

New Zealand's Y2K Readiness Commission has told Internet users and businesses to be on full alert, and switch their computers off if possible, over the New Year period in case their systems become the target of "virus freaks and computer hackers."

Today's alert warns computer users that there will be an increased risk of threats to their systems between now and until well after the New Year.

"There is a very high chance that computer hackers and virus freaks will see the coming of the new millennium as an historic opportunity to undermine information technology systems around the globe," warned John Good, the Y2K Readiness Commission's special adviser.

Good warns every computer user to safeguard their systems, whether they be a major organization or an individual user. Threats could come from hackers or damaging new viruses unleashed on to the Internet.

"We know, for example, that elements in the 'virus community' have already set up a competition for the best Y2K virus, so we are taking the issue very seriously," he said.

The alert recommends all users take steps to prevent their PCs contracting damaging viruses. These include not using pirated software, installing and updating anti-virus software, checking files on floppy disks and CD-ROMs and not opening unscanned attachments received via e-mail.

It further recommends that users switch their PC off "as early as possible before the end of the year, and leave it as long as possible before turning it on again."

"This will ensure you are not vulnerable during the cyber-terrorists' most active time," reads the advice. "It will also give the virus protection agencies more time to develop the countermeasures which will be needed."

Reported By Newsbytes.com

-- Uncle Bob (UNCLB0B@AOL.COM), December 18, 1999

Answers

Translation: Don't be online watching what's going on globally.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), December 19, 1999.


Diane, my sentiments exactly.

-- things that make me go hmmmm (karlacalif@aol.com), December 19, 1999.

FINALLY!!!! A logical reason to have WebTV. (besides being afraid to put my business computer on the web). I mean, if they try to download a virus to me, it bounces!!

-- Lobo (atthelair@yahoo.com), December 19, 1999.

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