LovSan

lynn · August-12th-2003, 05:26 PM

Yesterday, after I logged on the internet, my computer started to get a remote shutdown command and everytime I connected my Windows would automatically reboot. Not funny.

I ended up calling my daughter who helped me initiate the firewall on my dialup and spent the remainder of the day and most of last night downloading updates and defragging my computer.

They can put a man on the moon and crawl everybody's email, why can't they fix the holes in the program.

The good news is that I doubled my connection speed. Since I don't have DSL, Cable or a T1 - that's definitely a plus.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/interne....ap/index.html

HenryMc · August-12th-2003, 05:46 PM

It got me too this vile wor-m
brought to us by evil vermin
I logged on, the system crashed
on the pc case I bashed
I ranted, raved cursed Bill Gates
I even thought I'd phone some mates
why oh why did this happen to me
I know it's because I used XP
I felt violated, I felt dirty
felt this worm was out to hurt me
In my mind a plan did hatch
I'd search online for a patch
and a tool to remove this evil worm
back to hell I'd soon return im
had I been complacent, well you bet
see I'd always practiced 'safe net ''

lynn · August-12th-2003, 06:33 PM

Me too Henry, I must accept the responcibility for not updating the fix way back when. But I took the cure and feel better already.

Dr Dave · August-12th-2003, 10:38 PM

Norton Antivirus costs what, $40? Less? If you're on the web and you don't use it (or McAfee or any of the others, there are several), then you are asking for trouble.

Smugly enjoying trouble-free computing and digging a Larry-esque sendoff,

Dr Dave

lynn · August-13th-2003, 12:07 AM

I have Norton and it won't help here. This is a flaw in XP. Horton AV has saved me on many other occasions though.

Ron Thorne · August-13th-2003, 04:10 AM

I'm glad to learn that you were able to solve your dilemma, Lynn. Since I use Win98, I haven't had some of the problems plaguing users of newer Microsoft software. Seriously, I haven't.

I'm definitely not a computer guru, but I wonder if a proper firewall would have stopped this intrusion? I installed Zone Alarm Pro a couple of years ago, at a cost of about $40.00, and have been amazed at what it has stopped ... cold!* Also, if you don't already have it on your desktop, download Ad-Aware today, the fine FREEWARE (Standard Edition) version.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

* Zone Alarm Pro stats:

· 128,205 intrusions have been stopped since installation

· 103,765 of those have been high-rated intrusions

ZA Pro also includes e-mail protection, a 2nd line of defense, along with Norton AV.

Tanager · August-13th-2003, 09:26 AM

What Ron said. Spend the $40 to install a firewall, or buy a dedicated one, or build a packet filtering linux box, or...do something. Not doing so in this day and age is akin to leaving the keys in your unlocked car in the middle of the city.

clinthopson · August-13th-2003, 11:19 AM

We have a belt and suspenders firewall system with both soft and hard firewall protection.

Of course we have a business, and viruses and worms would wreck us.

We put the system in about four years ago when we were virused.

It cost a helluva lot more than $40 but it was worth it.

Enforcer · August-13th-2003, 11:26 AM

I wish I had the extra time on my hands that these hackers seem to have. Then I could use that free time for something else during my work day, like posting on jazz boards, playing chess games and... oh, never mind.

Craving hummus and wondering why it gets spelled so many different ways anyway,
Larry

lynn · August-13th-2003, 12:26 PM

These guys are getting pretty creative. I installed Norton 2 years ago when I lost all my data to the last bad worm that invaded via email. I think this one is getting around in stealth mode. Firewall is engaged and no real harm done, for which I am eternally grateful.

Ron Thorne · August-13th-2003, 03:58 PM

Lynn, was your built-in firewall not engaged when you experienced your recent intrusion? I'm a little confused. Or was it the missing patch which caused the problem? Or both?

Isn't there a way that you can receive automatic updates from Microsoft?

For peace of mind, you can always install a separate firewall such as I described earlier. Zone Alarm has a teriffic reputation.

August-14th-2003, 05:14 AM

Don't know the details, but this gem seems to have taken advantage of a weakness in win2000 and XP design that the MS crew left.
MS claims to have known about the bug and having posted correction patches on-line to close the door for some time now.
Norton probably wouldn't have helped on this one.

BTW Lynn, it's "Norton" not Horton, 'cause "Horton Was A Who" if Dr Seuss was to be believed. ;-)

lynn · August-14th-2003, 10:45 AM

There is a firewall that you can setup via Microsoft's Windows that is accessed through the network connections in the control panel for Windows. I think that is where Collin directed me to go to initiate the firewall and is part of the advanced options. I would have never found it without her help.

Fred you are absolutely right. Horton is a Who and you are too too sweet.