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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Drawmack" data-source="post: 1071424" data-attributes="member: 4981">I know Henry closed the other thread and I know it's generally against enworld policy to open a thread on a topic that has just been closed. This thread is simply an information about the worm, how to clean and how to protect yourself from ones like it in the future. I will understand if this get's closed but I hope it does not.Step 1) Blast BlasterBefore any of us worry about anything in the future we've got to take care of now so the first order of priority is making sure that you're safe.  The only computers that are volunerable are those running Windows NT, 2000 or XP if you are not on one of these systems you are safe. If you are on one of these systems then download the attached zip and run it to clean yourself out.Step 2) Staying UpdatedWindows has announced that they are moving windowsupdate.com. It is their way of securing against blaster. <a href="http://slashdot.org/articles/03/08/15/1730200.shtml?tid=109&tid=126&tid=172&tid=187" target="_blank">more details here</a>. The new url has not been announced yet but should be soon. Make sure you learn the new URL and update at least weekly. Those who stayed updated were also not suseptible to blaster.Setp 3) Virus ScanThis won't always work as until the signature is in their file it will not be caught which is some of the problem with blaster. It was widely distributed before they got it's signature into their file. Here are some good scanners:<a href="http://download.com.com/3000-2239-8079062.html?tag=lst-0-2" target="_blank">Norton Antivirus 2002 (98 & ME)</a><a href="http://download.com.com/3000-2239-8076906.html?tag=lst-0-4" target="_blank">Norton Antivirus 2002 (NT & XP)</a><a href="http://download.com.com/3000-2239-10201551.html?tag=lst-0-3" target="_blank">McAfee Virus Scan Online</a>Once you install a virus scanner keep your definitions up to date, with at least weekly updates.Step 4) Use A FirewallBlaster got passed my virus scanner but when it tried to access the internet zonealarm asked me if I would like to allow this to happen. I clicked no and even if my system were infected I would be safe from being part of the DOS. There are plenty of free and cheap fire walls on the market and there is no excuse not to be running one - I recommend running two so that they can seal up each others holes. Here are some links<a href="http://www.zonealarm.com" target="_blank">Zone Alarm</a><a href="http://download.com.com/3000-2092-8787381.html?tag=lst-0-9" target="_blank">Blackice Defender Workstation</a><a href="http://download.com.com/3000-2092-10201560.html?tag=lst-0-1" target="_blank">McAfee personal firewall pluss</a>Once you decide on a firewall (or firewalls) then make sure you keep it up to date as well.Setp 5) Surf SmartDon't open email from people you don't know. Don't use an email program that runs scripts. Don't browse the net with IE because it's got more activex holes then swiss cheese. Don't install, run or forward any executable file that has not been virus scanned.Step 6) Don't Send False WarningsFalse virus warnings are as bad as the real thing. They cause panic and concern where none is needed and they clog up and bog down mail servers. If you receive a virus warning from a friend goto <a href="http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html" target="_blank">http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html</a> and make sure the warning is not on the list before you hit the forward button.Step 7) Stay InformedDon't depend on the professionals to protect you. That's like depending on your mechanic to keep you from getting into an accident. Keep yourself informed here are some links.<a href="http://www.slashdot.org" target="_blank">http://www.slashdot.org</a><a href="http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/100/297702/2002-10-29/2002-11-04/1" target="_blank">Virus Mailing List for the average man</a><a href="http://www.rootsweb.com/~njessex/misc/virushoax.htm" target="_blank">Virus Explainations</a>Step 8) Continue your researchDon't stop with reading this post. Drill down from the links I've provided and come up with more resources. Protecting yourself is protecting your friends.</blockquote>

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