From Microsoft about Blaster Worm

[fgarvb1]

It is very important that you check the Security site regularly for the
most recent news: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220931

In This Newsletter:
--Who Is Vulnerable
--4 Steps for Home Users

At 11:34 A.M. Pacific Time on August 11, Microsoft began investigating
a worm reported by Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS). A new worm
commonly known as W32.Blaster.Worm has been identified that exploits
the vulnerability that was addressed by Microsoft Security Bulletin
MS03-026.
Who Is Vulnerable?
Users of the following products are vulnerable to infection by this
worm:
. Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0
. Microsoft Windows® 2000
. Microsoft Windows XP
. Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003

Your computer is not vulnerable to the Blaster worm if either of these
conditions apply to you:
. If you are using Microsoft Windows 95; Windows 98; Windows 98 Second
Edition (SE); or Windows Millennium (Me).
. If you downloaded and installed security update MS03-026 prior to
August 11, the date the worm was discovered.

4 Steps for Home Users
If you are using Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows
Server 2003, you should follow the steps in this sequence to help
protect your system and to recover if your system has been infected.

1. Enable a Firewall: Make sure you have a firewall activated to help
protect your computer against infection before you take other steps. If
your computer has been infected, activating firewall software will help
limit the effects of the worm on your computer.

The latest Windows operating systems have a firewall built in. Windows
XP and Windows Server 2003 users should print or save the following
instructions for how to enable their firewall.

If your computer is rebooting repeatedly, disconnect from the Internet
before you enable your firewall. To disconnect your computer from the
Internet:

. Broadband connection users: Locate the cable that runs from your
external DSL or cable modem to the wall and unplug that cable either from
the modem or from the telephone jack.
. Dial-up connection users: Locate the telephone cable that runs from
the modem inside your computer to your telephone jack and unplug that
cable either from the telephone jack or from your computer.

Follow the instructions provided for your operating system, and then
reconnect to the Internet.
. Windows XP Professional users:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220932
. Windows XP Home Edition users:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220933
. Windows Server 2003 users: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220934
. Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 users: You will need to install a
third-party firewall. Most firewall software for home users is available
in free or trial versions. If you are unable to download a firewall
product, please check with your local computer retailer. Check the
following resources for more information on personal firewalls:
-- ZoneAlarm Pro (Zone Labs): http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220935
-- Tiny Personal Firewall (Tiny Software):
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220936
-- Outpost Firewall (Agnitum): http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220937
-- Kerio Personal Firewall (Kerio Technologies):
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220938
-- BlackICE PC Protection (Internet Security Systems):
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220939

Windows 2000 users: Alternatively, you can take steps to block the
affected ports so that your computer can be patched. Here are some modified
instructions from the TechNet article HOW TO: Configure TCP/IP
Filtering in Windows 2000: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220940.

2. Update Windows: If you are disconnected from the Internet, remember
to reconnect before you take the next steps. Download and install the
security update addressed in Security Bulletin MS03-026 for the version
of Windows that you are using from the Microsoft Download Center.
-- Windows NT Server 4.0 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220941

-- Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220942

-- Windows 2000:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220943

-- Windows XP: The vast majority of Windows XP customers use this
version. If you are unsure, it is likely that you are using this version.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220944

-- Windows XP (64 bit): The 64-bit version of Windows XP requires
special hardware to run. If you are unsure, it is likely that you are not
running this version of Windows XP.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220945

-- Windows Server 2003:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220946

-- Windows Server 2003 (64 bit):
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220947

3. Use Antivirus Software: Make sure you have the latest updates
installed.
. If you already have antivirus software installed, go to your
antivirus vendor's Web site to get the latest updates, also known as virus
definitions.
. If you do not have antivirus software installed, get it. If you are
unable to download antivirus software, please check with your local
computer retailer. The following vendors participating in the Microsoft
Virus Information Alliance (VIA) offer antivirus products for home users:
. Network Associates: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220948
. Trend Micro: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220949
. Symantec: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220950
. Computer Associates : http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220951

Learn about Microsoft's Virus Information Alliance:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220952.

4. Remove the Worm: If you think there is even the slightest
possibility that your computer might be infected, use the worm removal tool
available at your antivirus vendor's Web site. For additional details on
this worm from antivirus software vendors participating in the Microsoft
Virus Information Alliance (VIA) please visit the following links:
-- Network Associates: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220953
-- Trend Micro: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220954
-- Symantec: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220955
-- Computer Associates: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220956

Microsoft Communities is your launching pad for communicating online
with peers and experts about Microsoft products, technologies, and
services:
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=220929

 

[Worm]

Leave me alone already!

 

[fgarvb1]

Fast as fast can be Blaster worm will never catch me!

 

[The Heretic]

There is more:

You may think you are protected, but maybe you are not - even if you think you are updated

 

[MNGuy]

I was updated, and I got it.

 

[Sillyman]

I've already heard on NPR that the patch is still vulnerable to the worm.

I use Windows 98. So feh.

 

[The Heretic]

I've already heard on NPR that the patch is still vulnerable to the worm.

I use Windows 98. So feh.

The update isn't still vulnerable, but some people who think they updated may not have actually updated even though the updater and MS's website tell them they have. The BSA tells them that for sure and also checks your security settings for vulnerabilities.

 

[StrawberryPez]

I agree that even if you think you are protected you may not be. We have all of the latest anti-virus crap on our computer, or should I say we had all of the latest up to date anit-virus crap. The virus got my computer. It was down for a whole week from it. I had to wait while microsoft sent us discs that would allow my computer to go online for at least 5 minutes so I could get the download that I needed to get rid of it.

It was horrible!

 

[teddybear4play]

I've already heard on NPR that the patch is still vulnerable to the worm.

I use Windows 98. So feh.

I have 98, too, but I'd swear I have this damn thing. My computer freezes or shuts down every time I do something that taxes the processor in any way.

I agree that even if you think you are protected you may not be. We have all of the latest anti-virus crap on our computer, or should I say we had all of the latest up to date anit-virus crap. The virus got my computer. It was down for a whole week from it. I had to wait while microsoft sent us discs that would allow my computer to go online for at least 5 minutes so I could get the download that I needed to get rid of it.

It was horrible!

Glad you're back.

TB4p