WINDOWS XP SP2

[AndyM]

<font color="blue"> SP2 has all the new security updates that help to prevent your machine from being hijacked or a malicious code being installed on it. </font>

I heard a piece on the radio yesterday that they've figured out how to attach viruses to .jpg files, and XP Service Pack 2 is supposed to patch that problem.

I didn't catch the entire segment, so maybe someone can fill us in on this new problem?

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> I heard a piece on the radio yesterday that they've figured out how to attach viruses to .jpg files, </font>
This is not new. JPEGs infected with a virus (W32/Perrun) was reported back in 2002 here.

 

[Junkman]

When a e mail arrives with a JPEG attached, it asks you first before it will open it for you. E mail such as the ones from Staples which have a lot of graphics in them, all the graphics are blanked out with a warning that these type of e mails can send information back to the source if you allow the pictures. I don't know if Norton will check a JPEG for a virus, but I am inclined to believe so, because I have received e mails with JPEG attachments that have been deleted.

 

[AndyM]

It's amazing what is possible now. What amazes me even more is the fact that people with this much talent for viruses and other malicious behavior can't use their knowledge for good instead of evil.

I found the article I was trying to find the other day. It was in Christian Computing magazine...


<font color="blue"> Hackers are Already Taking Advantage of JPEG Flaw in Windows

We reported last week that Microsoft has announced a new security flaw in Windows, allowing a hacker to include a malicious program within a picture using the JPEG format. Reports are already coming in that this flaw is being exploited. At this point, the first signs of danger seems to be in pictures that actually have to be downloaded and then viewed through Windows Explorer. The fear is that soon, a JPEG file viewed through Windows Internet Explorer or even Outlook will put the user in danger. Presently it is not a specific virus that is of concern, but rather that a person can gain access to your computer if you view a malicious file. If you have installed MS Service Pack 2 on your Windows XP computer, you do not have to worry about the problem. If you are at risk, you need to visit Microsoft and do the security patch update. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx for the Microsoft site with the patch. </font>

It also links to a USA Today article...
USA Today 9/29/04

 

[PineRidge]

I updated my first computer to service pack 2 about 3 weeks ago. After I was satisfied that it was stable I then updated the rest of my computers as well. All is fine with mine, no problems.