Technology Vault - NewsBytes
Thursday 3 October, 2002
I-Worm/Keywo by @ 11:54 am
Newsbytes ran a story a few days ago about the Bugbear virus. This virus now has a new variant form and is known as the I-Worm/Keywo. I have now had 6 emails in the last 12 hours with this virus sent to me.
As this virus seems so common and proberbly heading for a computer near you, I thought I would give you some advise about how to prevent getting it and how to get rid of it if you do get it.
Remember, this virus can disable firewalls, disable anti-virus software, open closed ports, it uses your address book to spread itself and it can use your keyboard cache information (with details like passwords and creditcard numbers) and phone home. It's a nasty little begger!
Firstly, number one defence is you must run some kind of Antivirus software. Their are a number of free versions available. I personally use AVG antivirus from Grisoft.com but others are available.
2. Use a firewall. Yet again their are a number of free firewalls available like Sygates personal firewall V5.0 or Zonelabs ZoneAlarm. This will tell you if anyting on your computer is trying to phone home with your details.
3. Make sure you are using the latest versions of Microsofts Internet Explorer and Outlook Express if they are your usual prefered choice.
4. Use Windows Update regularly. Alway make sure you have all the latest Critical Updates for your system. If you use Internet Explorer, go to the tools tab at the top and pick Windows Update and follow the on screen prompts.
What next
OK, you have done all this which everyone has been telling you to do ever since you got a pc, what else can you do. Well, what I'm about to print is what I do to try to keep safe. It's a case of once bitten, twice shy and some of this may sound a bit over the top, but at least if I ever get another virus attack, I will feel that I have done everything possible to prevent it.
5. I use Mail Washer. This little program lets you look at all the emails sitting on your server before they get downloaded to Outlook Express. It's also very good for removing spam (unwanted emails). Yet again, it's free with a donation scheme to remove a scroller at the top of the page.
6. I have ticked the box that says 'Do not allow attachments to be saved or open that could be potentially a virus'. You will find this under Tools/Options/security in Outlook Express.
7. I have also set up a message rule to delete all emails with attachments.
By having these options set, it means that you will not be able to receive attachments from anyone. Now, if someone wants to send me an attachment, they can do so by emailing me first, asking me if I can turn this function off whereby I would clear all messages from my mailboxes and email the person back to say 'GO'. As soon as I have downloaded the attachment, I save it to the desktop, scan it with AVG antivirus to check it manually and turn those rules back on.
How do people know that I cannot receive attachments? I hear you ask! I have used the plug-in that AVG has that works with Outlook Express and added the following words which are automatically added to the bottom of every email I send.
WARNING: All email attachments to this address are automatically deleted.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.393 / Virus Database: 223 - Release Date: 30/09/2002
I do full system scans with AVG every few days and I have told AVG to check for updates daily.
Over the top? Yes, maybe, but it's a rough world out there. A pain in the ####, Yes!, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Not wanting to promote my own website (something that any self respecting news editor would never do) but I have listed all the programs that I use on my WindowsXP system on the Tweaks page of my own website. Most of them are free, in fact all these security programs are free and they all have links to download them from. Visit The Caretakers Website tweaks page.
What can you do if find you have this virus?
AVG yet again come to the rescue. They have dedicated a page that explains what the virus does and how to remove it from your system. You will find the information HERE
I know that's alot to take in, but I hope it's been a help. Be safe, be protected and Happy Surfing!
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