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From: sharp@mizar.usc.edu (Malcolm Sharp)
Newsgroups: comp.virus
Subject: AF/91 - John Gantz "joke" in Infoworld
Message-ID: <0001.9104111306.AA01727@ubu.cert.sei.cmu.edu>
Date: 10 Apr 91 18:08:00 GMT
Sender: Virus Discussion List <VIRUS-L@LEHIIBM1>
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Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu

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.)