John, Are Ya There? Just got an Email Infected with A Worm Virus

[Crafty Angler]

John, I received an email this afternoon infected with a worm virus - didn't write down the file name, it was "Nov" something or other with an attachment which my 2003 Norton AV detected immediately and automatically deleted.

I usually keep my Norton stuff as current as possible, just ran LiveUpdate again on all three of my computers but I got a question for ya. How important is it to also keep the Microsoft updates and patches current? It's something I don't do on a real regular basis (yeah, I know I should), I have to admit I click on notify me later - is it difficult to do? The guy who keeps the plumbin' hummin' on my systems usually does it for me but this is the first time I've ever been hit with an attempted worm virus. Also, is there any way of determining the source of the infected email?

Might be a dumb question, but I'm from a generation that remembers when TV screens were round, the sets had tubes and O'Brien's was called "The All-American Club" and had a Ladies Entrance.

Thanks -

[teaser]

Hi Chuck,
I'm not your bud John but if were him I'd tell ya to keep those updates coming and install all of them on your PC. You run Norton and its a good virus scan but the viruses that are coming out lately are starting to figure out a way around Norton and after they do that ... you're cornholed if you don't keep up with the Microsoft updates.
I run McAfee Virus Scan and thats one of the best checkers out right now, and even they suggest keeping all updates current. It doesn't take long for most updates to install, depending on how your connected to the internet. If you have cable then the average update takes about 30 seconds, phone line connection about 5 minutes. If you connect all 3 PC's by a router or by phone line, you will have to run the updates on all 3 PC's. And whatever program you run for e-mail, you should always scan new mail.
Again I'm not John but I thought this might help.

[JohnR]

For the most part - what Teaser said

Most of the viruses written today are written for loopholes in Microsoft software that have been addressed but people have not patched. So that is where being dilligent with patches is good.

Most problems today are technically worms and not viruses. The worms usually require some active invovment from the user - like clicking on the attachment - to activate.

As for Norton -v- McAfee -v- Trend -v- .... They are all fairly good but you can still get bitten by something that comes thru before they can make the updates. Yes, there is a scanner that checks for malicious "like" properties but...

[macojoe]

I got at least 2 of the emails this week! I just delete them! I never open mail if I don't no who sent it!!
I have Norton System Works and love it. I have on all 3 computers.
I update all securty updates from Microsoft. I don't borther with the soft ware updates to much.
If you use Yahoo for email they have a scan and download option for you to use, and this has found 2 virus for me before.


???? John, my son got 3 virus awhile back from a disk he brought home from school. I got rid of them i thought?? I fdisked the drive and reformated but it won't do a clean relaod??? I have tryeed 3 times now?? my buddy says that I must have a boot virus that I can't get out and will need to get a new hard drive??
Ture, False, maybe??

Thanks

[Nebe]

This is one of the many reasons I love my Mac so much.. (the computer, not mac joe, although he seems like a nice guy. most of these viruses floating around seem to only mess with PC's and leave Mac's alone, which is cool by me

[The Dad Fisherman]

Set up the auto-update feature in microsoft. That way as a new patch is released you'll know about it immediately. You can set it up to just notify you or download it its up to you.

its an applet in the control panel and its pretty easy to set up

[ThrowingTimber]

True the varii that are out there for macs can be counted on one hand.

Micro$oft had a tool available right through them called a baseline security advisor. The name has been changed I think but its sweet looks at your system then tells you what you are missing and how to increase your security, ie by correcting weak passwords etc.

[Crafty Angler]

Thanks, men - I think you guys covered all the bases for me, I'm gonna update all my MS stuff and look for the baseline security advisor you mentioned TT -

I've got both NSW and NAV 2003 (some of which is raising hell with my network) and run both on a weekly basis - Mrs Crafty is also real religious about defragging etc and running other diagnostics since we work with big files alot.

Hey, guys, I owe ya thanks again!

[Crafty Angler]

Oops, neglected to add that I also have Norton Personal Firewall if that offers additional protection.

I freaked when I looked at the email and it had all the weird characters like the Ciryllic alphabet and an attachment to go with it - fortunately the NAV deleted it automatically as I said.

I'll be downloading the MS updates REAL soon here, got cable so it shouldn't take long.

Dad Fisherman, thanks, got the auto update feature set up just haven't been updating like I should when I get notified.

Thanks again to all