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New Computer Virus - Security Response On August 11, 2003, a new computer virus ("W32.Blaster.Worm") disrupted PC and PC-based Server operations throughout the nation, including hospitals in California and elsewhere. The Forum Editor has seen first hand how devastating this computer virus (technically a worm) can be in a hospital environment. One of the properties of this computer virus is to launch a "Denial Of Service" attack against Microsoft Corporation beginning this weekend; which if successful, would basically shutdown Microsoft's network, by flooding it with useless Internet traffic. The attack is allegedly scheduled to be launched from infected PCs this Saturday Aug. 16. Many colleagues have already taken steps during the past few days to ensure that PCs have current antiviral software and Microsoft patch MS03-026 installed. However, to assure that no PC can be used in this attack against Microsoft, which would also jam the traffic on data networks (including hospital and blood bank networks) with useless traffic, it is suggested that unused PCs be turned off (powered down) at the end of the day THIS WEEK. This is especially important this week because of the possible denial-of-service attack on Microsoft that is scheduled to occur on Saturday Aug. 16, 2003. In response to this announcement, Sheryl A. Kochman, CBER/OBRR/DBA Chief, Devices Review Branch reports that their IT staff has asked them NOT to shut down (rather they are to log off) so that they can add patches as they become available. She comments that other facilities might be doing the same. Bottom line: CONSULT WITH YOUR IT STAFF AS TO THE BEST STRATEGY TO EMPLOY IN YOUR LOCAL SETTING. The link above to the Symantec Antivirus Center provides several recommendations. Ira A. Shulman, MD |
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