DataFort
Warns Against Re-Infection from MYDOOM |
| Tape
and CD-Rom Backups Can Re-Introduce Virus To Clean Networks |
| Release
date: February 2004 |
| DataFort,
the leading provider of effortless off-site data back-up,
is warning companies about using tape and CD-ROM backups
if they’ve been attacked by the Mydoom virus. Systems
that have been cleaned following infection could become
re-infected if unchecked data – backed up on local
physical media – is introduced back onto the system. |
| “It’s
the easiest thing in the world to do,” believes
Marcie Terman, Business Development at DataFort. “After
a virus attack, it’s natural for companies, especially
SMEs, to assess their data’s integrity. Loading
an unchecked disc or tape onto a server can introduce
a virus back onto the network, causing expensive downtime
and additional work for IT staff or third party consultants.” |
| Virus
experts estimated that the Mydoom.A and B viruses accounted
for 30% of all worldwide e-mail traffic at the height
of the infection. Microsoft placed a $250,000 bounty
on the creator’s head while just one e-security
firm reported stopping 8.1 million copies of the virus
since it was unleashed on Monday 26th January 2004. |
| “Any
company that relies on its data for survival must ensure
they run an up to date virus checker on their backups
before they copy files back onto the system,”
adds Terman. “Some backup systems automatically
reinstall data which can bypass or delay virus checking
procedures allowing re-infection to occur. The message
is, if you’ve caught Mydoom or any other virus,
don’t put anything back onto your system until
you have proper virus checking solutions in place.” |
| With
virus attacks becoming more and more frequent, IT activities
such as archiving, storage and backup need to be factored
into the virus checking and firewall process. With the
flexibility, convenience and competitive pricing of
managed off-site backup services, Terman argues that
SMEs should ditch the tape drive and CD-burner and look
at managed solutions. |
| “Off
site solutions allow multiple copies of data to be stored
in one convenient location. If an undocumented virus
infects locally held data, the client can restore a
slightly earlier version. While they will lose the newest
information, they will not lose all information from
a critical file. ” concludes Terman. “This
protection, added to the flexibility of purchasing data
as you need it and the removal of human error and intervention
from the backup process, is a compelling argument for
moving away from local physical backup solutions.” |
| Although
arriving in e-mail form primarily, Mydoom spreads rapidly
especially if the infected computer is connected to
a peer-two-peer file-sharing network such as Kazaa.
It can also create a ‘backdoor’ on machines
allowing hackers access to vital information. |
 |
 ABOUT
DATAFORT
DataFort provides
dependable secure off-site computer information storage with
a focus on functionality and convenience for the end user. The
company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Guildford,
UK and New York, USA. It’s software and services are used
by thousands of businesses worldwide - ranging from small SMEs
and schools through to quoted companies and local government.
Every hour of every day someone, somewhere backs up with DataFort. |
CONTACTS
Marcie Terman
T: +44 (0) 1483 872 052
E:  |
