Is Your Computer Safe from the Zotob Worm?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Zotob worm, its impact on Windows machines, and the necessary security updates to mitigate its effects. Participants share personal experiences, concerns about virus protection, and the reliability of information from Microsoft regarding the worm's risk level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants report widespread infection of Windows machines by the Zotob worm and emphasize the importance of updating to the latest Microsoft patches.
  • One participant humorously notes the irony of CNN's computers being infected while reporting on the worm.
  • Concerns are raised about the timing of the worm's release, particularly in relation to personal antivirus protection status.
  • Participants share personal experiences with symptoms that could be attributed to the worm, including BIOS beeping and system shutdowns.
  • There are discussions about difficulties in accessing updates and the implications of contacting the FBI as suggested by news reports.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the varying risk assessments provided by Microsoft representatives.
  • One participant mentions that the current patch only addresses one of several potential exploits, suggesting a need for comprehensive updates.
  • Another participant reports that their system was virus-free after investigation but still took precautionary measures by applying patches.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of concern and humor regarding the Zotob worm, with no clear consensus on the overall risk level or the adequacy of the responses from Microsoft. Multiple viewpoints on the effectiveness of updates and personal experiences with the worm's symptoms contribute to an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the timing of updates and the release of patches, indicating a potential gap in awareness or access to necessary security measures. There are also mentions of varying interpretations of the worm's risk level, reflecting uncertainty in the information provided by authorities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals concerned about computer security, particularly those using Windows operating systems, may find this discussion relevant. It may also be of interest to those following developments in cybersecurity threats and responses.

dduardo
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As I reported in my Internet Security Alert, Zotob is now full blown and infecting massive amounts of Windows machines around the world. Make sure you update to the lastest patches offered by Microsoft.

What's funny is that while CNN was reporting this, their own computers where being infected. :smile:

[edit] Here is the patch:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-039.mspx

Affected Software:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 – Download the update

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 – Download the update

Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition – Download the update

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 – Download the update

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems – Download the update

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition – Download the update

[edit2] Symptoms include spontaneous rebooting. Meaning you'll probably have to format if you get the worm.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Beautiful, the week that I actually have no anti-virus protection (recently formatted), a massive virus goes on peeing on everyones computer. Beautiful.
 
Hey, I've been warning people since Sunday.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=713725#post713725
 
Last edited:
Good thing the worm was not released on a wednesday :smile:
 
uh oh. I'm on 2000 at home and I was having trouble last night - but suspected a hardware problem. I would get three beeps out of the BIOS and then the machine would attempt to load Windows and almost immediately shut down. I finally got it booted up and rescued my data but I may be looking at a reformat.

I need to pay more attention to your posts, dd. I didn't see this coming.
 
MIH, I'll add you to my official PF Internet Security Alert System aka buddy list. :smile:

If anyone else is interested just ask me.
 
dduardo said:
MIH, I'll add you to my official PF Internet Security Alert System aka buddy list. :smile:
Awesome -- thanks! :approve:
 
dduardo said:
MIH, I'll add you to my official PF Internet Security Alert System aka buddy list. :smile:

If anyone else is interested just ask me.

Thanks, and yes. Usually I update regularly but had fallen behind.
 
it won't let me run the updates! it says I do not have access to the needed files?
 
  • #10
hypatia said:
it won't let me run the updates! it says I do not have access to the needed files?

Go to the updates page and get the new engine.

They just announced on ABC News that anyone affected should contact the FBI! Can that be right?
 
  • #11
hypatia said:
it won't let me run the updates! it says I do not have access to the needed files?

What version of windows do you have?
 
  • #12
2000 ME I went to the updates page a few weeks back and installed all the new service packs
 
  • #13
Ivan Seeking said:
Go to the updates page and get the new engine.

They just announced on ABC News that anyone affected should contact the FBI! Can that be right?

No, don't contact the FBI.

I was watching CNN right before Larry King Live and they had a security spokeswomen from microsoft talking about the worm. When asked directly how many people does she estimate are affected by the worm, all she says is that the worm is of low risk. But then later on in the conversation she changes her stance to moderate risk.

Can't microsoft get their story straight.
 
  • #14
hypatia said:
2000 ME I went to the updates page a few weeks back and installed all the new service packs

Yeah, well the patch was released last week (Aug 9), so your probably not safe.
 
  • #15
great...{tries to stop panic attack} I'm going out now to buy a truck load of floppys.{deep breaths...in nose out mouth in nose out mouth}
 
  • #16
dduardo said:
Can't microsoft get their story straight.
some day...some day...
 
  • #17
There are really 3 remote exploits methods. The link above only patches what the current worm is attacking. This is just the first worm of many to come. That's why I recommend you get all the patches available on microsoft's update site.
 
  • #18
update: turned out to be virus free, but I patched my machine right away. I think I have a loose video card that was giving me trouble.

anyway, thanks for your alerts dduardo.
 
  • #19
looks like I got off easy. It didn't hit my company (or at least we patched before it did) and I didn't get hit on my home systems.
 

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