October 7, 2002
Information-technology Promotion Agency
Security Center (IPA/ISEC)
Computer Virus Incident Reports
[Summary]
W32/Klez virus decreased in report! But stay alert!!
This is a summary of Computer Virus Incident Reports for September
2002
compiled by IPA: Information-technology Promotion Agency.
In September, 1193 reports were submitted to IPA
(August’s reports were 1756 reports), and this was the lowest number of
reports in 2002.
W32/Klez virus declined to 727 reports, even though there were
more than 1000 reports for the past 5 months. But then again, there are still
over 700 reports, which shows us that wide spread of this virus is still
existing. So do not loosen your guard, and it is vital to carry out the
countermeasures for the virus.
This month, no new virus was reported, but for the future,
virus countermeasures should be re-examined, and let us prepare ourselves.
Security holes (defect in security measurement) are detected
frequently in Windows XP and Internet Explorer. At the moment, no virus is
found to misuse a new security hole to spread widely, but there is no
guarantee that there won’t be another heinous virus like W32/Klez virus.
Even if it comes to being, it is imperative to have the
basic countermeasures carried out continuously so that one won’t suffer
from the damage.
7 items for virus countermeasures for
computer users (basic countermeasures)
Countermeasure using anti-viral software:
Countermeasure using anti-viral software is very effective.
But then again, not just installing it, but if one does not update frequently,
it will not detect the new virus; thus caution is necessary in using it.
* The pre-installed version is often able to update only for a
short duration (usually about one month ~ half an year), hence we recommend
purchasing the software (more than one year).
Eliminating the security hole: Updating the software
If using Windows, check if the software has no problem with
its security; if it is necessary, use the modification program to eliminate
the security hole with the website provided below.
“Windows
Update” Microsoft
Especially, this month, the following modification programs
are distributed, so use them.
Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1
http://www.microsoft.com/japan/technet/security/news/ie6SP1.asp
Windows XP Service Pack 1
http://www.microsoft.com/japan/technet/security/news/wxpSP1s.asp
There is a setting to “read all messages in text format”
in Outlook Express of IE6 SP1, so even if you receive a HTML email, it will show
up as a text format. This way, automatic execution, such as the virus, can
be prevented.
Computer Virus Incident Reports for
September, 2002 (full report)
Inquiry: IPA Security Center (IPA/ISEC)
(ISEC: Information technology SEcurity Center)
TEL: +81-3-5978-7508 FAX: +81-3-5978-7518
E-mail: isec-info@ipa.go.jp
Emergency call: +81-3-5978-7509
URL: http://www.ipa.go.jp/security/index-e.html