Blaster infected lots of computers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the W32.Blaster worm, a computer virus that has rapidly infected numerous systems, particularly those running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows NT. Participants share their experiences, concerns, and questions regarding the virus's behavior, spread, and potential impact on infected computers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the rapid spread of the Blaster worm and its impact on their friends' computers.
  • There is speculation about how the virus spreads, with one participant stating it is not spread by emails, which complicates detection.
  • Participants mention that the virus does not damage files but can cause significant operational issues, such as frequent shutdowns or reboots.
  • One participant suggests that the virus may use infected computers to launch a denial-of-service attack against a specific website.
  • Another participant notes that the virus may not affect systems behind a properly configured router and firewall.
  • Concerns are raised about receiving emails with viruses, with one participant wondering if they are related to Blaster.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of the virus and express frustration towards software vulnerabilities, specifically mentioning Microsoft.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the Blaster worm is a significant issue, but there are competing views regarding its spread, impact, and the effectiveness of security measures. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding the specifics of how the virus spreads and the best course of action for those affected.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the virus's behavior and the effectiveness of various security measures. Some participants reference specific experiences without providing detailed evidence or definitions, leading to uncertainty about the virus's characteristics.

KLscilevothma
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I don't know where to post this thread but I think I better post here.

http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html

The virus is spreading really fast and has already infected lots of computers here. This virus was found few days ago in USA. Some of my friends got this computer virus immediately after logging on to the internet!

Good luck everyone, especially those who use Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows NT :smile:
 
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How does it spread?
 
I read on yahoo news that it was going to use the infected computers to assualt www.windowsupdate.com on saturday.

I vote on waiting to clean it till sunday.

j/k
 
I don't give a damn about windowsupdate and the DoS it's planning. I give a damn about the fact that I already received 3 emails with viruses in them and I wonder if it's Blaster.
 
Everything I've read about it says its virtually harmless, aside from the fact its going to use your cpu and bandwidth to launch an attack against a single website. I'd not be suprised if it didn't erradicate itself after the attack, or mount another.

It looks like a new school trick of DoS to me, stupid, but interesting.

A good idea for emails, has been since email was email, is to simply know who your communicating with.
 
Billy Gates¡K Why do you make this possible¡S Stop making money and fix your software¡T

If your computer shuts down few minutes after you switch it on, and receive the message, "Billy Gates¡K Why do you make this possible¡S Stop making money and fix your software", then your computer is infected.

How does it spread?

I already received 3 emails with viruses in them and I wonder if it's Blaster.

Your computer will be at risk every time you log on to the internet and surfing websites! It isn't spread by emails, which makes the virus spreading fast and difficult to detect.

I think you may be referring to W32.Mimail.A@mm, a virus spread by emails. The sender is admin@..., like admin@yahoo.com. I received 2 emails from admin@yahoo.com which contains virus.

One of my friend's computer was infected on Monday, the time when Norton Antivirus didn't even have virus defination of this new virus.

Blaster doesn't affect the files in your computer, but it reboots or shuts down your computer everytime you switch it on, which causes you lots of troubles.

Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows XP
Systems Not Affected: Linux, Macintosh, OS/2, UNIX, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT
 
I checked the files. Some friendly huy sent me 3 files with Klez.
 
I run two pc's using XP on a wireless network at home. Apparently this virus cannot penetrate a router and firewall, so if your properly secured, your fine.

Most people are probably not behind the safety of a router.
 

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