Klarinet Archive - Posting 000332.txt from 2003/08

From: "Daniel Stover" <kasparguy@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] <W32.Blaster.worm>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 21:09:58 -0400

----Original Message Follows----
From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.net>
Subject: [kl] <W32.Blaster.worm>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 20:31:35 -0400

Yesterday I ventured out onto the web looking for software updates and
caught a nasty bug. I have been sitting at this %^$(*$@! computer since 7
PM yesterday trying to fix the mess. There is a lot to be said for
persistence, but there is a lot more to be said for updating virus
definitions before going on-line. I recently asked about the necessary
frequency of this task and was told, given the amount of mail that I get,
every week should be sufficient. It wasn't. From now on, every time I log
on, I will update first and then take care of business.

If any of you contract this bug, you need to get the patch from your virus
software provider, the patch from Microsoft, and in my case, I had to use my
rescue disc to boot from just to access the web to get the patches. I am a
computer dodo. While I'm not proud of that fact, I am proud of the fact
that after a long struggle, I fixed my own computer. Keep your virus
definitions up to date and make sure you create rescue discs to save your
backside. BTW, this bug shut down the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
today.

Nancy (who is off to bed for a good night's sleep)

1: This is why i love Mac OS X so much. Seldom does a Mac user have to
worry about a virus problem. never regret switching to Macs a cople of
years ago and am glad to be rid of all the horrors of Windows.

2: Even though Macs are virtually virus free, i still run an anti-virus
(Norton, for the record) and have it set to update virus definitions nightly
at something like 4:00am, and then scan folders that get stuff downloaded to
regularly after it downloads the definitions. That way i don't have to mess
with it myself when i wake up my computer the next day.

3: This MSBlast.exe worm is spreading by scanning for open ports in IP
addresses, rather than the typical e-mail attachment method. The best way
to prevent getting viruses/worms like these is to be sure you have some sort
of firewall protection.

4: On top of the software firewall, my partner and I share cable internet
by means of an ethernet router with a built in firewall, for a second layer
of protection.

It's my belief that some viruses are released, rather than to cause
malicious damage, as more of a message to people to make sure they are
protecting themselves with Firewalls, Anti-Virus software, and to not open
attachments from strangers. This worm, for example, is relatively harmless
in terms of what a programmer COULD have had it done. And it's more of an
attack on Microsoft to bring down their Updates websiite, and a nuissance to
computer users who have to deal with it.

Practice safe computing,
Daniel :-)

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