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May the source be with you, but remember the KISS principle ;-)
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Softpanorama Anti Virus Defence Secrets
Halloween and April 1 can sometimes be a dangerous time -- a time certain people take it upon themselves to do unforbidden acts of arson, death, sacrifice and pagan worship. There are a lot of computer programs devoted to these events. Generic term for such a programs is prank programs or simply pranks.
Pranking does, however, give people a chance to explore their creative and devious sides. At the university environment there are a lot of classical prank stories, like attaching keyboard to a new microwave, with yellow stickers with fake passwords on it. Pumpkins are also traditional tools for pranks in universities because of their availability. Stealing and smashing them is just a little bit easier than baking them in a pie. Students often get in a truck, drive around town and collect as many pumpkins as they could. Then they go down main street and throw them out. The police got all pissed off because there were so many of them.
It's a well-known fact -- coworkers love to see colleagues in (mildly) embarrassing situations. Alan Funt proved it for decades with ``Candid Camera'' show. Similar idea bring the success to the ABC the "Pranks" show that invites people to come on the show to pull elaborate gags on friends and relatives.
Before Halloween and April 1, IS departments should rather keep a watchful eye on happenings. In case of calling the HELPDESK prank became a causal problem similar to virus hoaxes and can cost the company considerable money.
If you suspect the program is a prank, you can check the list of such programs at ZDNet Software library (http://www.hotfiles.com/hot/fools.html). Among well-know pranks are:
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Last modified: February 28, 2008