Windows Security: Archive: August 2003

IRS Inoculates Against Blaster Using Electronic Distribution

The Internal Revenue Service successfully protected thousands of servers and desktop PCs from the Blaster worm that exploited a Microsoft Windows vulnerability discovered in July by using software distribution software from Tivoli Systems.

'Blaster' Teen Suspect Arrested

UPDATE: The FBI has arrested Minnesota teenager Jeffrey Lee Parson on suspicion he created a destructive variant of the 'Blaster' worm.

New Phase of Sobig.F Set for Fridays

Security experts are warning of a new phase of attack from the Sobig.f worm that continues to bedevil computer networks around the globe.

Sobig 'Carpet Bombs' the Internet

Microsoft Issues Cumulative Patch for IE

The software giant publishes a cumulative patch that combines all previous Internet Explorer patches and also addresses several newly discovered flaws. Microsoft also issues patches for Microsoft Data Access Components and Microsoft DirectX.

Microsoft Takes Security Steps with Messenger

After a series of embarrassing Windows vulnerabilities, Redmond moves to safeguard its consumer instant messaging clients -- spotlighting one of the chief risks associated with free, public IM.

Warning Goes Out about Blaster Email Hoax

Security analysts are warning IT managers and users about an email hoax that is playing off people's concerns about the Blaster worm.

Blaster 'Fixer' Worm Sprouts New Versions

The Blaster virus may be under control but copycat variants are beginning to squirm.

Microsoft Tries to Keep Patch Available Despite Coming Attack

Techies at Microsoft Corp. have been working double time this week trying to make sure that customers can still get to needed software patches despite the coming of the Blaster worm's Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack.

AntiOnline Security Spotlight: Blaster Worm

Despite some headline-grabbing security bulletins, systems are falling victim to this worm. Read up on what AO community members have to say about it, including some interesting tidbits from those that have 'dissected' it.

Spam and Viruses: Unholy Matrimony, Part 2

Make no mistake about it -- spam and viruses are deliberate, malicious assaults on our systems that often work together to penetrate and compromise our networks. In the second article of a two-part series, Carla Schroder takes a look at client-side defenses for defeating the two-headed monster.

Warning: MSBlaster May be Just the Beginning

Security analysts are warning IT managers that the MSBlaster worm may just be the beginning of malicious code that will take advantage of what some are calling the most widespread Windows flaw in history.

First Clones of MSBlaster Worm Detected

The widespread Windows worm has been cloned into two very similar variants with minor alterations made to apparently try to escape detection.

Feared Windows Worm Starts Attack

Exploiting what may be the most widespread Windows vulnerability ever, a new worm is on the loose, setting up a distributed denial-of-service attack against Microsoft Corp. and fulfilling security experts' ominous predictions.

The Pros and Cons of Automatic Updates

Ask any administrator and they'll tell you that maintaining a secure network is a continual juggling act. If you're considering letting your Windows server automatically download and install security updates, there are a few things you should know in order to avoid accidentally dropping any balls.

Mimail Worm Hits Companies Already on High Alert

As U.S. workers opened their email Monday morning, they unleashed a new mass-mailing worm. Mimail, which temporarily shut down several government agencies last Friday, has raised concerns in an industry already on high alert for a coming large-scale hacker attack.

Spam and Viruses: Unholy Matrimony, Part 1

Make no mistake about it -- spam and viruses are deliberate, malicious assaults on our systems that often work together to penetrate and compromise our networks. Carla Schroder's new series takes a look at server-level and client-side defenses for defeating the two-headed monster.