Be vigilant against Dasher warns Internet Security Systems
“As the Christmas holiday season begins, a new worm has hit the Internet called Dasher. It is exploiting a known and patched Microsoft issue – MS05-051. Network and IT managers need to be vigilant and ensure that all systems are up-to-date,” comments James Rendell, technical product manager at Internet Security Systems.
“This new worm aims install software that tries to infect other vulnerable systems, and that also can be used to log keystrokes and turn the computer into a remotely controlled “bot’ system.
“By opening suspicious emails and attachments, users install the dangerous spyware on their computers where it can cause considerable damage. We advise companies to make sure that their IT systems are updated immediately and the correct levels of protection are put in place for all users.
“It is far safer to be proactive in situations such as these as it could become a costly expense for any company if a reactive approach is taken to network security.”
About X-Force
The X-Force, with over 100 researchers, is one of the largest R&D groups in the security market that is continuously looking for vulnerabilities in software, databases, operating and network systems. According to Frost & Sullivan, the X-Force uncovers more than 51% of the high risk vulnerabilities. When the X-Force discovers a vulnerability, than the software manufacturer gets informed so that they can develop a patch. The moment the vulnerability is discovered, the ISS products get immediately updated with a so called “virtual patch” to ensure pro-active protection. Through this process all ISS customers are automatically protected when an exploit appears in the wild.
About Internet Security Systems, Inc.
Internet Security Systems, Inc. (ISS) is the trusted expert to global enterprises and world governments, providing products and services that protect against Internet threats. An established world leader in security since 1994, ISS delivers proven cost efficiencies and reduces regulatory and business risk across the enterprise. ISS products and services are based on the proactive security intelligence conducted by ISS’ X-Force® research and development team – the unequivocal world authority in vulnerability and threat research. Headquartered in Atlanta, Internet Security Systems has additional operations throughout the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Internet Security Systems website at www.iss.net or call +44(0)1753 845 100.