Conficker Redux

Conficker is gonna steal ur dataz and eat ur house! Everybody is all excited about the return of Conficker on April 1, 2009, and the news media is whipping the general public up into a froth about it. Even my mom called me to ask about it.

Here’s the low-down…

PREVENTION:

  1. Apply the security update associated with MS08-067 (Windows 2000, XP, Vista & 2008).
  2. Make sure you are running up-to-date antivirus software.
  3. Check for updated protections for security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. The Microsoft Active Protection Program (MAPP) provides partners with early access to Microsoft vulnerability information. For a list of partners and links to their active protections, please visit the MAPP Partners page.
  4. Isolate legacy systems using the methods outlined in the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 98 Threat Mitigation Guide.
  5. Implement strong passwords as outlined in the Creating a Strong Password Policy whitepaper.
  6. Disable the AutoPlay feature through the registry or using Group Policies as discussed in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 967715.

    Microsoft released Security Advisory 967940 to notify users that the updates to allow users to disable AutoPlay/AutoRun capabilities have been deployed via automatic updating channels.

    NOTE: Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 customers must deploy the update associated with Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 967715 to be able to successfully disable the AutoRun feature. Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 customers must deploy the security update associated with Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-038 to be able to successfully disable the AutoRun feature.

CLEANING INFECTED SYSTEMS:

Source: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/dd452420.aspx

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KYSBSUG 5-Year Anniversary

Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG)This week, Thursday March 19, 2009 marks the 5-Year Anniversary of the Kentucky Small Business Server User Group (KYSBSUG). Where did the time go?

It’s pretty amazing to look back at all the events and topics we’ve covered in the last 60+ months. Some of the highlights we’ve met on include:

  • Backup & Disaster Recovery
  • Linux for SBSers
  • Vista Loadfest
  • FolderShare for Remote Workers
  • SBS Hacks
  • SQL 2005 Launch Event
  • Windows Mobile Boot Camp
  • DD-WRT
  • Office 2007 / Vista Road Show
  • Windows 7
  • SBS 2008
  • Essential Business Server (EBS) 2008
  • Windows Home Server (WHS)
  • Windows SharePoint Services (WSS)
  • Response Point
  • And vendor presentations like ConnectWise, Level Platforms, eFolder, New Horizons, etc., just to name a few.

Over the years we’ve had numerous well-known speakers, including: Amy Luby, Ronald Grattopp (Microsoft), Brian Von Axleson (Microsoft), Chris Rue [MVP], Kevin Royalty [MVP], Allen Miller, and many more. We’ve had study groups, round table meetings, and Live Meetings with visitors from all around the USA, Canada, and even as far away as Belgium.

In short, we’ve really done a lot in the last 5 years, and we’d like to invite you to celebrate with us! There will be food, door prizes, and lots of networking opportunities. Please register today!

Evening – KYSBSUG 5-Year Anniversary
Date: Thursday March 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM Eastern (GMT –5)
Venue: Fifth Quarter Steakhouse
Address: 1241 Durrett Lane, Louisville, KY 40213
Phone: (502) 361-2363
Map: http://tinyurl.com/bhrmqb
Registration Link: http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=136756

IMPORTANT: This venue was chosen because it’s only a few blocks away from the Microsoft events that are happening earlier that day (which you should also attend):

Morning – Microsoft TS2 – 03/19/2009, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern
Topics: Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), EBS 2008 & SBS 2008
Venue: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport (formerly Executive West Hotel)
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/cui/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032402683

Afternoon – Microsoft SB2 – 03/19/2009, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern
Topics: Solution selling w/ Vista, EBS 2008 & SBS 2008
Venue: Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport (formerly Executive West Hotel)
Presenter: Ronald Grattopp
Register: http://msevents.microsoft.com/cui/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032402690

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