The SecurityFix has a great how to article for the general public on the best way to remove the Sony DRM rootkit that’s been big news the last two weeks in tech circles. First, DON’T use Sony’s removal software as that introduces more security problems. Hopefully Sony will get together a removal for THAT eventually. Right now though, Microsoft has updated it’s malicious software removal tool to remove the Sony rootkit. This link is to Windows Live Safety Center, which will give a page with, among other things, a button that says “Full Service Scan” in the lower right hand corner.
Tag: removal
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The Continuing Stooo-ry of the Sony DRM rootkit debacle….
Let’s see there are a couple more notes to pass along on Sony DRM rootkit news. This story could go on for some time, it’s already had legs for about a week or more and just when things started to wind down a bit, there’s a bit more. First up, the EFF has a writeup on the EULA that Sony sends along with it’s DRM-ified Cds. Among other things it obliges you to wipe any copies of songs of your pc if you’re cd is lost or stolen, it cannot be played on a work computer, you can’t take it with you if you leave the country, you MUST install any and all updates to their software or the content is forfeit, SONY-BMG reserves the right to install backdoors or other means to protect their content, SONY will only be liable for a maximum of $5, if you declare bankrupcy you must forfeit all the music on your pc, no derivitave works, (photo albums for family/friends, mash-ups, or sampling), music on the pc may NOT be transfered even if the cd accompanies the transfer.
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Microsoft Updates Malicious software removal tool for zotob
I just read that Microsoft has released an update to the Malicious software removal tool. The updated version is not yet available at Windows or Microsoft update, but from Microsoft’s download center.
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Microsoft’s quick response to network worms….
This is an ironic title because frankly, Microsoft has seemed to be slow in solutions for the recent zotob worm. Of course, they announced the vulnerability and accompanying update to solve the issue to begin with, but after the virus started propagating what do we see from Microsoft? They have a page titled What you should know about Zotob
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Esbot and Zotob removal tool
Just a quick note to mention that Symantec has posted a removal tool for Esbot(.A). They previously had manual instructions only. They also have updated their Zotob Removal Tool to cover all current variants .A .B .C@mm .D .E and .F (.E was the big newsmaker yesterday.)
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Esbot.a
Symantec’s site is also reporting another virus (technically a worm) targetting the MS05-039 vulnerability. This one is called w32.esbot.a and is also rated at level 3 on their 5 level threat assessment scale.
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Zotob worm bites big media outlets
According to several reports there are several big media outlets seeing what is reported as the zotob worm which exploits a Microsoft Windows vulnerability (MS05-039) disclosed last week. There seems to be no better way for something to make the news than for it to affect the companies that bring us the news…. CNN for one is reporting that the worm has affected their networks as well as ABCnews and the New York Times. The Caterpillar Company is also mentioned.
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Sunbeltblog has more info on the identity theft keylogger and will offer removal tool
There another two fascinating posts in the saga of the massive identity theft that was reported in the Sunbelt blog. For starters they detail the beast here. It sounds truly devious, MAY still be related to coolwebsearch after all. It turns off Windows firewall and runs through Internet Explorer (thereby bypassing any other software firewall.)
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Applause for Dell
I usually work on desktop computers and so have complaints from time to time about the way desktop computer manufacturers design access to their components. They’re improving overall, but sometimes you’ll still find something that you’d just like to slap an engineer over… Recently I had to swap a keyboard on a Dell Inspiron 5150 laptop. (Spilled drink.) I must say, congratulations to whoever designed the laptop for the easy access to the keyboard replacement.
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