Dealing with MSBlast

MSBlast is a computer virus which was designed to bring down the Microsoft Windows website. It has now spread widely across the Internet and continues to infect thousands of computer users around the world.

Once a computer has been infected with MSBlast the virus will start scanning for other vulnerable computers and distributes the infected file. It will then utilise a vulnerability in most computers causing an error message saying 'This system is shutting down initiated by NT AUTHORITY\ SYSTEM. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) terminated unexpectedly.'

This error will then cause the computer to shut down and reboot and will recur every time an internet connection is attempted. Affected operating systems include Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP.

If your computer has been infected with the virus you can download a utility which will detect and clean the virus from your computer. Click HERE to download this file. When you are prompted to open or save this file click to Open it and you will then be prompted to start the program. 

Once you have cleaned your computer from the virus you will need long term protection to ensure it is not caught again. Select your operating system below to download the relevant Windows patch.

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1:
  Microsoft Patch WindowsXP-KB823980-x86-ENU.exe
  
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP3:
  Microsoft Patch Windows2000-KB823980-x86-ENU.exe

Due to the accessibility and open nature of the Internet, it is a prime breeding ground for the distribution of malicious programs exploiting computer vulnerabilities. Viruses are an example of such programs creating various faults from deleting system files to embedding themselves within your computer and bombarding web servers.

In order to effectively protect yourself software applications can be installed on your computer to act as a guard while you are connected to the Internet. These include:

• Antivirus software which detects viruses and cleans them off your system
• Firewall software which sets up a virtual protection on your system monitoring all internet activity and settings permissions for all requests to and from your computer.

- How do you know if you have been infected with MSBlast?
- How to remove MSBlast in 6 simple steps