Anti-Virus Companies Help Spreading Virus Hysteria on Y2K Virus

Cambridge, UK, October 15, 1999 - Kaspersky Lab Int., an international anti-virus software vendor, has received numerous queries from computer users with requests to clarify the situation related to Y2K virus threat, initiated by some anti-virus companies.

According to some anti-virus vendors in the beginning of the next year a vast number of some new, extremely dangerous computer viruses will be activated. They claim that this "gift" is already being prepared by thousands of the world's best hackers from all over the world, who have unified in one cyber gang to achieve this goal. According to some experts' estimations, the results of Y2K virus attack can be so destructive that can even shake Western civilisation to its core.

Kaspersky Lab informs that the above is a typical case of virus hysteria spreading. This activity is nothing more than a disorientating marketing campaign aimed at promoting some anti-virus products that are "able" to protect users from Y2K viruses. This campaign damages the anti-virus industry causing loss of the users' credence.

"We admit that the virus creators can launch some computer viruses triggered especially for the end of this year - the beginning of the next year. This happens every year. We do not expect something out of the ordinary. Moreover we do not expect 200,000 viruses," - said Eugene Kaspersky, a head of Kaspersky Lab's anti-virus department. "We constantly track the situation. Our experts are working 24 hours a day to give you the highest possible level of anti-virus defence. Our users can be sure that AVP will protect their data even if the above predictions will come true."

The most extensive information on computer viruses and virus hoaxes and myths can be found on AVP Virus Encyclopedia at: www.viruslist.com.