� Update on Sobig-F

27th August 2003

News release from IT department (UK) Ltd

Some of our clients are still receiving large number of random email messages from Sobig-F infected PC's, a week after the virus came out. Most of the messages are from unknown sources, with a significant percentage from Hotmail accounts. Strange as Hotmail is supposed to be virus protected ?

We also get the a warning message with more technical details, numbering hundreds a day. The numbers are slowly dropping, but it may be weeks before the numbers get back to normal.
if you are getting a significant number from one location, let us know and we can easily block it.

All clients with gateway scanners are having any viruses or dangerous attachments automatically removed, but they will get a warning message, in addition desktop anti-virus systems add additional protection. Assuming there kept up to date. This is normally checked during your routine site visit.

Some users have accidentally infected their office systems by using Laptops from home. If you use a Laptop at home be sure to use a Firewall or NAT-router, XP has a firewall option on the dial up interface under advanced. This is switched off by default, so make sure you switch it on, but make sure it's not on the office network interface or you will get problems back at the office.

We have noted some ISP's are having more than the normal levels of problems, if we know your supplier has a problem we will call and let you know. Unfortunately we cannot give you a time to repair as getting through to an ISP with problems is almost impossible, as most of their customers try at the same time, blocking their phone lines.

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