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How To Stop The W32 Blaster Worm
All Windows XP, NT, and 2000 users should read this.
There is a new virus affecting Windows XP, NT, and 2000 users. Unlike other common viruses, you don't have to open an infected email file to catch the W32 Blaster Worm. All you have to do is connect to the internet with an outdated version of Windows XP, NT, or 2000 and the virus will eventually find your machine and infect it. All Windows XP, NT and 2000 users are at risk, but people with broadband and DSL connections are at higher risk.
Your first line of defense is to update your version of Microsoft Windows XP, NT, or 2000 by visiting http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and installing ALL of the "Critical Updates" available. If you have never done this before it may take a while to download all of the updates for the first time.
You should ALWAYS keep your version of Windows up to date by visiting http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com site at least once a month to check for critical updates.
Microsoft has a much more detailed explanation of the W32 Blaster worm and how to protect yourself. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp for more info. Microsoft's page even has tools listed that can help you remove the virus if you think you are affected.
How to Tell If the Worm Is Affecting Your Computer
Some customers whose computers have been infected may not notice the presence of the worm at all, while others who are not infected may experience problems because the worm is attempting to attack their computer. Typical symptoms may include Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 systems rebooting every few minutes without user input, or Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 systems becoming unresponsive. Whether you are experiencing these symptoms or not, Microsoft recommends that you visit this site immediately http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
Windows XP Users
If you use Windows XP, do the following in addition to visiting http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and installing all of the available "Critical Updates"
These steps will enable XP's built in firewall to prevent the W32 Blaster worm from infecting your computer.
To enable your connection firewall and update security packages:
1) Double click 'My Computer' located on your desktop.
2) Go into 'Control Panel'.
3) Go into 'Internet Options'.
4) Click on the 'Connections' tab.
5) Click on the 'Settings' button.
6) Click on the 'Properties' button.
7) Click on the 'Advanced' tab.
8) Check the box located under 'Internet Connection Firewall'.
9) Click 'OK' (There will be three instances of 'OK'.)
10) Close all programs.
11) Restart the computer by clicking 'Start' -> 'Turn off Computer' -> 'Restart'.
12) When the computer reboots, connect to FrogNet (you'll have to re-type your
password) and run your 'Windows Update' program located in 'My Computer' -> 'Control
Panel' (look to the left to see 'Windows Update').
13) Visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
Windows NT and 2000 Users
Visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/blast.asp
All Windows Users
1) Always keep your system up to date by visiting http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
2) NEVER open email attachments without first scanning them for viruses. It's
just general good practice to never open email attachements ever, even if
you use a Mac. Even attachements that come from a relative or your employer
can be infected as many email viruses forge the sender's email address.
3) Get antivirus software and keep it up to date
4) Read FrogNet's helpful Antivirus FAQ located at http://www.frognet.net/help/antivirus/index.php