posted on December 24, 2000 05:50:41 AMVIRUS ALERT!
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/kriz.warn.html has the details of a nasty that has been piggybacking on the Happy99 ... it's "payload" on 12/25 is to over-write ALL your files. YUP, all of them. Either download the krizfix from this page and run it or check out the online fixer.
It's been known since fall of last year, so if you have downloaded AND RUN any decent virus checker recently (and don't do stupid things like clickon attachments to open them) you are probably safe.
Remember, virus checkers are like seatbelts ... you gotta use them, not just install them and look at them.
posted on December 24, 2000 06:03:32 AM
Thanks for the note, we keep our virus programs updated in all our computers, but will do a double check this morning just to be safe. I imagine I have the same notice you received, but I haven't dared to pick up my e-mail yet - always tons of stuff to do in it that at this time of year, I'd rather wasn't there!
posted on December 24, 2000 06:11:47 AM
Thanks abacaxi for the update.
I have a dumb question. When I bought my
computer about three years ago, it had an
ibm virus detector. Since new viruses are
evolving every year, should I delete this
program and use the one that you are recommending?
posted on December 24, 2000 06:24:22 AM
HJW ... If you are not able to upgrade your virus definitions at least monthly, delete it and download something that is newer.
I'm using a FREE and very good one from a german site called www.free-av.com because it's consistently rated equal to or better than the commercial ones. It scans everything, and has already caught a boot sector virus that snuck in on a computyer I'm refurbishing for a friend. Fortunately it caught it before I wiped out all my bootable floppy
Edited to add:
It will remind you when it needs updating, and logs on and downloads and installs the latest version. Quite convenient.
[ edited by abacaxi on Dec 24, 2000 06:26 AM ]
posted on December 24, 2000 07:03:15 AM
Remember: Most viruses are written by Virus check engineers. Too keep themselves in business. How else do you think they could come up with a solution so quickly.
posted on December 24, 2000 07:27:44 AM*Just a Note*
Virus definitions should be updated no less then every 7-10 days.
Waiting a month is too long.
(I update every 48 hours)
The viri of today propogate at such an excellerated rate,
that within hours of being released, they can literally devastate 10s of thousands of PCs, if executed properly.
Some virus's like melissa, and Happ99 move more slowly.
Although some less informed people may disagree with this and may even scoff that it
is exagerated, it is in fact true.
I have seen so much damage caused by viri in
my 15 years as computer technician, that could have been prevented just by updating
your virus protection files regularly.
Here is probably the best FREE computer protection out there:
Anti-virus Software (Internal)
Innoculate IT - make sure you UPDATE this every week to keep your computer protected against viruses... http://antivirus.cai.com/
posted on December 24, 2000 10:14:30 AM
"Tis the season to be nasty...tralalalalala"...Symantec had three updates this past week....Lots of new viri rearing their ugly heads...
To all a Happy Holiday, and thanks for great info year-round.
posted on December 24, 2000 01:44:13 PM
Some AV programs, as Abacaxi mentioned, have Live Update features which automatically check for updates online. This should show up on the Windows Task Manager if you want to change the frequency and/or timing of the automatic check for updates. Also, you can use Task Manager to schedule AV scans. At least I can with Norton and have a regular weekly scan set up. It's unobtrusive. I imagine other AV programs can be set to automatically run a scan also.
Some people prefer not to use these features but for those who don't want to think about it this is a simple way to keep your AV updated and have your computer regularly scanned for viruses.
posted on December 25, 2000 07:34:10 PM
for those who have cable, dsl, isdn, or those logged on all the time, i would recommend setting up a schedule for running the live update for getting the virus definitions and then scanning your hard drive. i do it every night. may need to leave your screen saver off. i turn my monitor off at night. we use norton anti-virus 2000.
also, have a good personal firewall. we use zone alarm. don't like norton personal firewall. too much a pain in the arse.
