Truth About Computer Security Hysteria

Rockin' good humor

THE FBI POSTED a "sky is falling" press release on their website. MSNBC reported it in verbatim ... and yet they missed the obvious. FBI posted the press release as skyfall.htm. "Sky is falling," get it?

The FBI posted a "sky is falling" press release on their website. They even named it skyfall.htm.

Wired correspondent Declan McCullagh reported on the "sky is falling" angle. The filename hadn't changed as of 12 October at 3:30am ET. If its name does change, don't worry: I archived a snapshot of it for posterity.

You rock, Declan.

The "sky is falling" press release urges citizens to "immediately notify the FBI and local law enforcement of any unusual or suspicious activity." Let me also remind you of the fact FBI still "encourage[s you] to report computer intrusions to their local FBI office or the NIPC, and to the other appropriate authorities." If Grandma's computer sends you a virus, you should report her immediately to your nearest G-man. Her computer intrusion is both "unusual" and "suspicious."

Why, your Dragnet tip could uncover a bin Laden cyber-plot! Kudos to you for collecting data on terrorist activities! Forward it right away to the government so they can perform a detailed analysis. Don't hesitate to notify the FBI if your modem lights blink in an "unusual" or "suspicious" manner. Better safe than sorry.

IN OTHER NEWS, convicted-hacker-turned-publicity-hound Kim Schmidt declared a vigilante cyberwar against Osama bin Laden. But it took a comedic turn when notorious hacker "Fluffi Bunni" hacked Schmidt's website. Reporter John Leyden of The Register tells the humorous tale.

You rock, Fluffi. You too, John.