A virus, exploiting a flaw in Microsoft WebTV devices, has
caused users’ modems to dial the emergency services. The virus is
spreading as an e-mail attachment. The WebTV set-top box, sold in
the US, gives users web and e-mail access on their TVs.26 Jul 2002
If the virus is triggered, the WebTV device shuts down and reboots. Then, instead of dialling the normal internet access number, its modem is reprogrammed to call 911. According to reports, at least 18 people had a police officer show up at their door soon after opening the infected attachment.
Microsoft has confirmed the incidents. The company said that the virus can affect both WebTV and MSNTV (the new version) units, and advised users to delete suspicious e-mail attachments and call (in the US) 1-800-469-3288.
In 2000, a similar virus erased several computers’ hard drives and programmed them to call 911. However the virus did not spread widely.