[Vmyths.com ALERT] Absurd MyDoom damage values

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

Forwarded from: Vmyths.com Virus Hysteria Alert <vmyths_news () vmyths com>

Vmyths.com Virus Hysteria Alert
{2 February 2004, 22:05 CT}

In our previous Hysteria Alert, we predicted "someone will soon
declare a 'guesstimate' damage value for the MyDoom virus/worm,
strictly for its PR value."  Vmyths named mi2g as one of the more
dubious candidates.

mi2g played its PR card with a wag of $38.5 billion in global damages.  
We dismiss it as completely absurd.  mi2g's guesstimate is:

   * 1.6% of the U.S. federal budget proposed for the next fiscal year;
   * 40% of the damage to New York City on 9/11/01; and
   * more than double the cost of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

mi2g has pulled PR stunts since 1999 on an almost regular basis.  
See http://Vmyths.com/resource.cfm?id=64&page=1 for a critical look at 
the firm's shenanigans.

Unfortunately, gullible reporters have already started to latch onto
this latest PR stunt.  The Web Host Industry Review, for example,
published it in breathless tones.  Vmyths believes major media outlets
will fall like dominoes -- mi2g's declaration is simply too large for
them to ignore.

It sounds incredible to say it, but mi2g now demands money if you want
to read press releases associated with their PR stunts.  You'll pay
"£29.38 (including taxes)" just to read their "$38.5 billion" press
release, for example.  

Visit http://www.mi2g.com/cgi/mi2g/press/010204.php if you don't 
believe us.

We asked it before and we'll ask it again.  Why do British fearmongers
so often give guesstimates in U.S. dollars?

mi2g has threatened to sue Vmyths for libel 
(see http://Vmyths.com/rant.cfm?id=497&page=4 for details) and this
Hysteria Alert may lead to a renewed effort to crush us.  For the
record: we stand by our criticisms of mi2g.  However, Vmyths prides
itself for an industry-leading "corrections & clarifications" page.  
Anyone may write to VeaCulpa () Vmyths com to contest our claims &
accusations.  

Anyone may visit http://Vmyths.com/rant.cfm?id=470&page=4 to rebut our 
opinions & criticisms.

Do the math.  Stay calm.  Stay reasoned.  And stay tuned to Vmyths.

Rob Rosenberger, editor
http://Vmyths.com
(319) 646-2800

Acknowledgements:
Mary Landesman, http://antivirus.about.com

--------------- Useful links ------------------

Remember this when virus hysteria strikes
http://Vmyths.com/resource.cfm?id=31&page=1

Common clichés in the antivirus world
http://Vmyths.com/resource.cfm?id=22&page=1

False Authority Syndrome
http://Vmyths.com/fas/fas1.cfm



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