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This and That Technology Tips
Protecting Your Computer from Sasser Worm
May 4th 2004
With the advent of the new worm, Sasser, released over the
weekend wreaking havoc (as evidenced by the many calls I received today plus all
the news coverage), it's time for another "back to basics" newsletter on
protecting your computer. This current virus, Sasser, only affects Windows XP
and Windows 2000 users. Those of you who have been following the outlined
steps have very little to worry about with this recent outbreak, as you
have:
1. Up-to-date anti-virus protection.
2. An up-to-date
firewall.
3. Up-to-date Windows Updates.
4. A Spyware removal program -
with up-to-date definitions.
Before I begin with steps to keep your
computer up-to-date, I'd like to give kudos to Microsoft for a very well written
article which describes the Sasser and how to prevent it. This can be read at:
www.microsoft.com/sasser. There's a convenient on-line
removal tool if you feel you have contracted this virus.
Need to email
me about this newsletter or anything else - please use my updated email address
or go to this form: http://www.itmcomputing.com/contact_computer.php
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Tips for keeping your computer virus, worm, and spyware
free
1. Verify that you have a current version of anti-virus software
and it's up-to-date. It should update on its own. I highly recommend
Norton Anti-Virus. I suggest you have either version 2003 or 2004. Mcafee, the
other leading software, seems to have too many problems and installs too much
junk on your system.
2. When you get an email like this from me, open
your anti-virus software and run a "Live Update" to make sure you have latest
virus prevention definitions.
3. Install a firewall and configure it,
whether you have DSL, Cable, Internet using your phone, or AOL, you need
firewall protection. Even if you have a router (like a Linksys, D-Link, Buffalo
or Netgear), we recommend a software firewall as well.
I recommend Zone
Alarm Pro for the best firewall protection. Microsoft Windows XP has a
built-in firewall - which gets lukewarm reviews. I recommend the "Pro" version
of Zone Alarm as it has many cool features and self-configures for networks. The
"free" version has to be manually configured for networks and can be daunting to
many users. A good alternative is Norton Internet Security.
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4. Run "Windows update" on a regular basis (best to run
weekly). As shown in MS article above, you can configure Windows Update to
download and install automatically. I instruct people to still check it
once/month and make sure it's working. Whenever you see globe by the clock in
the lower right corner - click on this and install the updates - these will
protect your computer.
5. If you get a virus warning from a friend - do 1
of 2 things:
- a. Check the source. If there is none, don't forward email, don't do what
email says, and delete email and attachment.
- b. If there is a source, it should only be a trusted news source or a tech
site. If you're unsure, go to www.google.com and do a search on it, before acting on
the email or forwarding it.
As you guys have heard me say many times,
I receive about 3-4 virus hoaxes a month - and 1-2 real virus warnings
a year (this email was prompted by one).
5. If you or your
kids are running Kazaa or one of the other file/music sharing programs, I highly
recommend you uninstall the
program. Purchasing CDs at the store is
$10-$15/each; Amazon sells used CDs for $10; Songs can be purchased for
$.99/each online (see past newsletters for good on-line stores). Reinstalling
your computer or buying a new one is $500-$1,000.
6. Install Spyware Prevention and Deletion
Software.
Hands down - Spybot Search and Destroy is the best software out
there - http://snipurl.com/3lfz . If you go with Spybot, please
make a donation - I recommend US$10. Make sure to update it before you run it.
An alternative is Adaware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ (they have
many versions - the most convenient one is the Adaware Plus - as it provides
real time scanning.
7. Attachments in Email - Getting Viruses from emails
without opening attachments
To be 100% secure, email people you get an
attachment from - asking them if they sent it. This is the BIGGEST way people
get viruses. Also, you can get a virus just by reading an email as all the new
email programs allow executable programs (ie viruses) in email. To avoid this,
turn off your preview-pane. When you delete messages you suspect have viruses in
them - you won't be "reading" them, as you do when you use the preview
pane.
An simple 1-2-3 step procedure can also be seen on Microsoft's
website here: http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
Need
to email me about this newsletter or anything else - please use my updated email
address or go to this form: http://www.itmcomputing.com/contact_computer.php
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