Viruses and Worms are becoming more prevalent and more effective at doing their job every day. The latest incarnates wreaking havoc across the Internet are three worms; 00irCam00and 00ode Red00along with its improved brother 00ode Red II.00/font>
How does a Virus differ from a Worm?
A virus is typically launched by an unsuspecting user and embeds itself into files and programs. A worm tends to propagate itself using server specific vulnerabilities without interaction with a user to trigger its 00ayload.00nbsp; The most prevalent server software being exploited today is Microsoft00 Internet Information Server for both Windows NT and Windows 2000. The debate over why Microsoft is consistently more vulnerable than other operating systems is a heated one. The answer is fairly obvious; Hackers hate Microsoft because they are a large corporation and they have a large percentage of servers on the Internet so a worm can be more prominent and widespread. If you were to write a virus for an Apple server, how many people would actually see your creative genius?
What makes 00irCam00serious?
It00 polymorphic, random, and not just spread through e-mail. Each attachment infected and sent to a recipient is different, not just the file but the file extension or type. Once the virus hits a network server it can spread to any file located on that server and infect other computers connected to that server.
Code Red has crashed numerous servers
Along with its brother Code Red II, this worm is staggeringly dangerous. By exploiting a flaw in Microsoft00 web server software, this worm can infiltrate and propagate with ease. This worm has become so widespread that it has hammered away on some web servers causing them to crash.
How do you stop them?
Regularly check your virus files to be sure they are automatically updating. In the case of the Code Red worm and its similar ilk, you have to go to Microsoft00 website and download the specific patch. It00 a good idea to download EVERY patch Microsoft has for its web server software.
The Next Big ThingThe Trojan Horse, Virus, Worm experience will never end. The latest 00ool00 tool to have security completely overlooked is Instant Messaging. This type of communication is taking off in the workplace along with home use. Be aware that Instant Messaging is completely open to attack 00virus software is not equipped to handle attacks through Instant Messaging. The best way to protect yourself is to NEVER accept anything from an unknown source when using Instant Messaging.
Good Luck!
Be aware of the dangers and protect yourself as much as you can. Utilizing the Internet means that you accept the pitfalls that come along with the convenience. Educate yourself and update those virus files. If you do that, chances are high that you00l avoid being bitten by the latest ugly worm.
Around the Industry
New Domain Names Coming Soon!On September 17, the new top level domains will become available. This means that if you missed out on your favorite domain name, you can try to grab it up with a different top level domain ending. For example, if you missed out on yourlastname.com, you might be able to snatch it up as yourlastname.biz or one of the other new domains that will become available. If you are interested, check out Choose their time zone and select OK
Now if you go back into your calendar and view either the 1day or the 5 day calendar, you will see your co-worker00 time zone. Never get confused again!
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