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WebTV/MSNTV Virus Dials 911

Posted by timothy on from the well-it's-only-a-minor-emergency dept.

Semji Rkim writes: "Though not the first virus to direct modems at 911, ABC News is reporting a bug in WebTV (Now branded as MSNTV) units which causes the infected unit to hang-up and dial 911. The virus spreads via email and Microsoft officials are looking into how it is able to replicate and also control the modem. Affected users are advised to delete the email and call Microsoft at 1-800-469-3288."

3 of 515 comments (clear)

  1. This is serious by jandrese · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Tying up 911 lines costs lives. In many jurisdictions you can be fined for prank calling 911, especially if you are a repeat offender. WebTV users would be well advised to be very careful with their email until this problem is resolved.

    --

    I read the internet for the articles.
  2. Interm Solution by t0qer · · Score: 5, Insightful

    M$ sends an automated voice message out to all their subscibers. Either that or make all the access numbers just play this instead of sending any actual data.

    "Services will not be availiable today because of a virus that affects webtv users. The virus takes control of the webTV modem and causes it to dial 911. Please unplug your webtv unit from the phone line until we can fix the problem. Please call 555-1212 if you suspect your webtv has been affected"

    Clean up your mail servers. Install something to filter out the virus and any varients. Even the least tech savvy people will understand "It dials 911" and "Unplug your webtv"

    Just some advice.

    --toq

  3. My only hope... by erat · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...is that the loser who made this all happen has a heartattack and can't get through to 911 emergency services because his/her own virus/hack/whatever is tying up the line.

    Sometimes these pranks go too far.