This is one of those issues which I consider a line in the sand, not to be crossed.

The difference between any type of automated code, and the stuff you just mentioned, is that the latter are voluntary behaviors on the part of the user.

Same as eBay, ESPN, and a billion other things that people can use to screw off during the day. Which makes them an an HR issue, a very important distinction.

And FTR…

I happen to be of the opinion that a certain amount of time off-task is important to keep from getting hyper-crazy tunnelvision.

But when it comes to a virus on a data system, that’s nothing that anyone who is a serious IT professional should take lightly. Not ever.

And the only ones who do have never had to deal with the aftermath of an infection.

So yeah, think of Troika however you want. That’s your prerogative.

But making light of it?

You won’t see that here at the Funcave.

Fer crying out loud, the site’s called “welcome to the funcave.” Get a sense of humor already.

What an absolutely perfect day for your asinine comment, which includes no proof of your assertion that Troika is a hoax.

After one minute of Googling…
http://www.troika.uk.com/virus.htm

Real or not…
in the wild or not…
malicious or not…

There’s a real cost to prank B.S. in the workplace, even assuming some panicky user doesn’t lose data.

Let’s take it one step further. Have you reviewed the code of Troika? If not, how do you know if it is malicious or not?

Get a clue, seriously.