MyDoom out of Sync

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MyDoom (aka W32.Novarg.A) was scheduled to attack SCO (may be still down) today starting at this morning at 8:09am PST. But the attack actually started to trickle in 16 hours early. The reason is that computers around the world are not synchronized. Which in the case of a coordinated attack may be good to help mitigate a Denial of service attack but for business it is a bad thing. Microsoft is scheduled to be attacked this Tuesday. If SCO is any indication, I expect the attack to startup tomorrow on Monday and be in full swing on Tuesday. You can help by making sure that you protect yourself from the virus by following some simple steps. Also don't run stuff sent to you in email.

How to set your clock

There are many people that do not have their clock set correctly. Windows XP will automatically keep your clock (and calendar) in sync. If your computer is on a domain it is probably synced with the domain controller. But your home computer will sync across the internet to a NTP time server. By default your computer will sync with the Microsoft time server at Time.Microsoft.com. You can check your settings by double clicking on the clock in the Taskbar then click on the Internet Time tab. You can also find more info from Microsoft Help.

How to protect yourself from email viruses

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  • NEVER download and/or run an attached file on an e-mail from a stranger or from an unknown address. Be VERY cautious when downloading/running one from a friend (most likely if they pass you a virus, they won't know they did!).
  • NEVER have your e-mail program set to automatically run attached files. VERY IMPORTANT! This is especially true for browsers and/or e-mail programs which automatically execute Microsoft Word after opening an e-mail. TURN OFF THE OPTION TO LAUNCH OR EXECUTE ANY PROGRAMS after receiving e-mail.
  • NEVER run an executable file you've just received without first running it through an updated anti-virus utility.
  • If your computer is on a network, make sure you have security steps in place to prevent unauthorized users putting files on your computer. Networks are ideal virus transmitters since they are accessed by many computers and there usually is a great deal of interaction between these computers.
  • MAKE SURE you've got a good anti-virus program that is updated often from the company (check out the anti-virus links below).
  • TAKE CARE in using floppy disks! The more computers a floppy has been used on, the better the chance of a virus infecting it. ALWAYS run floppies through an anti-virus program before using it and be extremely cautious when booting your computer from a floppy disk (it's adviseable not to do so).
  • KEEP YOUR E-MAIL SOFTWARE UPDATED! Software companies are always finding problems with their software and if they are good about it, will post patches to update your e-mail software. Continually check your software company's website for updates to your e-mail software!