ALERT: Virus Warning

[hail2skins]

Hello all,

I know this isn't the correct forum for this message but I wanted to alert everyone to a new virus that is out. It is called Blaster and it is a worm that can prevent you from accessing the internet. It actually shutdown the Maryland MVA yesterday. Please make sure that you have Virus protection software and that it is uptodate. Most vendors like McAfee and Symantec provide virus definition files for their software to be kept uptodate. Below I've provided a link to Microsoft's site where you can download a fix for the bug. Please make sure your computer is safe.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/virus/alerts/msblaster.asp

[Spence]

A friend of mine got her computer infected and it kept shutting her down. Nasty bug.

[Skins57]

Thanks for the heads up Mike, will make sure I update my Nortons right now

[PennSkinsFan]

Yup, thx Mike. All updated.

[hail2skins]

No problem guys, just looking out for our community members here.

[heavyg]

I got the virus and I update my protection everyday. The problem with this virus is it does not come into your system the normal way. It does not come in through email or a downloaded file. I comes into ports on your computer. Most of which are open when using Instant messanger programs. Its not fun if you get it.

hg

[hail2skins]

Then I would recommend a firewall (hardware or software)especially if you have a broadband connection (cable, DSL). I use Symantec's Norton Internet Security.

[PennSkinsFan]

Originally posted by hail2skins
Then I would recommend a firewall (hardware or software)especially if you have a broadband connection (cable, DSL). I use Symantec's Norton Internet Security.

Yes I do as well. I have Norton's Internet Security 2003 and updated the virus and security parts of the program.

[TexSkin]

Ill update my comp at home as soon as I get home..thnx

[Texas Skin]

I got that stupid worm, but the microsoft thing worked.

[Skaggsrules]

did the virus keep giving you a countdown saying the computer would shut down in 1 minute cuz i got that on my computer

[jsarno]

I heard about this thing, but haven't heard of anyone that it has infected yet. How do you actually get it? (is it just an east coast thing or what?)

[hail2skins]

It's widespread and it looks for certain TCP ports on your computer. Yes, Skaggs, you have it. It gives you a message about a RPC (remote procedure call) failing and starts the countdown to reboot.

[Skaggsrules]

I was able to get rid of it, but man my parents were ready to blame me or my siblings.

[Green-Is-Good]

only through im do you get the bug?

[hail2skins]

No, it come other ways as well.

[Seebs]

i got it and i wasn' able to post over the weekend

[hail2skins]

Good to hear from you Seebs. We were worried about you considering the heat you all have over there. Glad you're back on line.

[Seebs]

Many thanks for worrying, I gave some explanations on the Appache forum.

[hail2skins]

Yep, saw them. Thanks

[Green-Is-Good]

hail2skins, what are the other ways you can get it?

[hail2skins]

just being connected to the internet Green Is Good.

[Green-Is-Good]

Originally posted by hail2skins
just being connected to the internet Green Is Good.

damn. so i'm running the risk of getting infected right now?

[hail2skins]

Just make sure you installed the patch Microsoft released and that your virus protection software is uptodate.

[Green-Is-Good]

i use McAfee.

does that shield me from this worm?

[hail2skins]

As long as your virus definition files are uptodate. Check McAfee's website to make sure. My computer automatically checks Symantec's site everyday for new virus definitions. If it finds them it downloads them and updates my software. I keep my computer on 24/7 so that's why I do it.

[sickpuppie]

to protect your computer go to

windowsupdate.microsoft.com

and install the security patch.

or if you are running XP

click start then control panel and find the link on the left for windows update