VIRUS ALERT UPDATE

[Web Team - Vince 0]

Some news:

There is a new virus currently circulating the internet. It has not been named as yet. It only affects Microsoft Internet Explorer users without current patches.

We have been informed by Nielsen//NetRatings (the people who record our site traffic), that one particular variety of this virus appears to have the ability to compromise their code - in doing so, a user running an older version of IE may automatically be taken to websites not requested.

The source of infection is not Archant, nor Nielsen//NetRatings.

Neilsen//NetRatings said "a small number" of its client''s websites were affected.

Users should upgrade their browser and virus checker to the latest version and check the Microsoft Updates website for the latest security patches. They can do this by visiting here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulletins/200501_windows.mspx

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Original thread on this subject:
http://new.pinkun.com/forums/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=63&MessageID=138434

 

[The Bunny 309]

[Web Team - Vince 0]

Indeed.

But even if you do use Firefox under Windows, you should load IE occasionally if only to visit the Windows Update site.

[Tumbleweed 106]

I have Norton Internet Security which auto updates every few days- presumably that is enough?

[The Bunny 309]

I use XP SP2''s automatic updates, so IE is rarely necessary in my case.

A good firewall (like say a router) is also a sensible idea.

[Tim Stephenson (Archant IS) 0]

All - please follow Vince''s advice and ensure your computer has all current security patches. No router based firewalls or virus scanners will stop something that exploits a flaw either in your browser or operating system.Applying all available hotfixes / patches is essential for safe browsing. Yes, using alternative browsers (i.e. Firefox) is a good idea, but it''s still good practice to update your computer.Those running automatic updates should be ok, but do make sure that Windows has actually installed the available updates, rather than queuing them for later download. A quick check of Windows Update can sometimes be useful.Finally, also ensure your anti-virus software is uptodate. Running an out of date antivirus scanner, or one using old virus definitions is simply not worth the effort.

[Barbie 10,000]

So Tim, do you think I should install some AV software on my home machine?

[Tim Stephenson (Archant IS) 0]

Highly recommended!

[Herb 0]

In my humble opinion not just highly recommended Tim, absolutely essential.

In no particular order, here are links to completely free and reliable internet security tools. Remember, they''re only as good as the latest update, so make sure you check for updates regularly. (I prefer to turn off auto-updating but I do religiously check weekly for updates) Also remember that if your computer is already infected virus/spyware activity can affect the functionality of the tools which protect against it.

Ideally all of these should be installed immediately after installing the OS and before exposing the computer to the internet. In practice thats not always possible, but at the very least a firewall should be the first thing you download once a connection is established....and fast!! Its a dangerous world out there people.

Firewalls:

If you go online, you need a firewall. No ifs or buts, it''s mandatory. Good free firewalls can be found here:

Zonealarm: http://www.zonelabs.com/  (make sure you get the free version, not the trial - you have to specify it during the install as well as getting the correct download.)

Kerio: http://www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html Kerio is another half-decent free (for personal use) firewall and I''ve found it to be the equal of Zonealarm. You only need one, so don''t install them both.

Theres plenty of other free firewalls around, but these 2 are regular industry award winners and the only 2 I have personal experience of.

Antivirus:

Again, if you go online or otherwise introduce files to your PC via floppy or CD then Antivirus software is a must. So thats everyone. If you surf without it you its like going on a stag night to Amsterdam without any condoms. Get protected!

AVG free antivirus: http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ AVG is a functional, fairly unintrusive AV software with regular updates and good support.

Antivir: http://www.free-av.com/ Not a user myself, but I have been recommended it by a number of people and its updated regularly.

Adware/Spyware killers and blockers:

Many malicious Adware or Spyware programs bundled with and installed secretly along with supposedly "shareware" progs. P2P apps and allegedy freeware games are common culprits. Not to mention sites of a somewhat pervy nature. These horrible little pieces of software can be every bit as damaging as viruses, but need seperate protection.

AdAware: http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/ Detects and kills a number of ad and spyware exploits.

Spybot Search and Destroy: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html Much the same as above, but finds some things it can''t, and vice-versa. Unlike AV or Firewall, its wise to install both of these, as they''ll happily co-exist on your PC.

Microsoft''s "solution" http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx Microsoft have also recently wheeled out their offering to help fix the problems of malicious ad based code. About 10 years too late and its still only a beta, but the thought was nice Bill. Not trie

[Tim Stephenson (Archant IS) 0]

Thanks Herb, this is some excellent advice that should be followed by all using Microsoft Windows.

[Herb 0]

Its a good idea to ditch Internet Explorer for Firefox too.
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
Just as easy to use, I would argue more efficient too and not affected by nearly as many exploits as IE.