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WTC Survivor Virus Hoax

written by Brett M. Christensen February 2, 2017
Virus Hoax

Outline:
Message warns that a virus called WTC Survivor is spreading via email and can “erase your whole C drive”.


Brief Analysis:
The email is a hoax. There is not, nor has there ever been a virus like the one described in the email.

Example:
I received this from a reliable family friend this morning. 10/28/01 BIG TROUBLE !!!! DO NOT OPEN “WTC Survivor” It is a virus that will erase your whole “C” drive. It will come to you in the form of an E-Mail from a familiar person. I repeat a friend sent it to me, but called and warned me before I opened it. He was not so lucky and now he can’t even start his computer! Forward this to everyone in your address book. I would rather receive this 25 times than not not all.If you receive an email called “WTC Survivor” do not open it. Delete it right away! This virus removes all dynamic link libraries (.dll files) from your computer. This is a serious one.A more current version:
During the next several weeks be VERY cautious about opening or launching any e-mails that refer to the World Trade Centre or 9/11 in any way, regardless of who sent it. PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, “WTC” STANDS FOR THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE. REALLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL OPEN IT RIGHT AWAY, THINKING ITS A STORY RELATING TO 9/11!BIGGGG TROUBLE !!!! DO NOT OPEN “WTC Survivor” It is a virus that will erase your whole “C” drive. It will come to you in the form of an E-Mail from a familiar person. I repeat, a friend sent it to me, but called and warned me before I opened it. He was not so lucky and now he can’t even start his computer!Forward this to everyone in your address book. I would rather receive this 25 times than not at all. So, if you receive an email called “WTC Survivor”, do not open it. Delete it right away! This virus removes all dynamic link libraries (.dll files) from your computer.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE



Detailed Analysis:
In spite of its age, the WTC Survivor virus hoax is still one of the most widely distributed email hoaxes on the Internet. It originally began circulation not long after the tragedy of 9/11. It disgusts me that the perpetrators of this hoax could use such a profound human tragedy to add weight to their pointless nonsense.

There is not, nor has there ever been a virus like the one described in the email.

There are several, equally nonsensical, versions of this hoax, including one rendered in Spanish.

You can confirm the status of this hoax email at the Symantec Website.


Last updated: February 2, 2017
First published: 2004
By Brett M. Christensen
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References
WTC Survivor Hoax

 

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