JEDDAH, 29 January 2003 — Microsoft Middle East yesterday warned IT professionals in the region of the possible negative effects from the W32. "Slammer" worm virus, which was detected on Saturday.
The virus generated an unusually rapid increase in network traffic levels, resulting in slower Internet access and browsing. It was also revealed that the virus is designed to scan for and target Microsoft’s MS-SQL 2000 servers and desktop engines MSDE 2000. The virus does not cause any damage to data stored in infected systems.
In July and October 2002, Microsoft first issued security bulletins on a potential threat to these systems, and advised users to download the latest available patches to avoid potential damage.
Microsoft technical support engineers are working around the clock with clients across the region that did not apply last year’s patches to their security procedures, a senior source at the company said. Engineers are providing the necessary technical and consulting services to assist clients who face problems and to remedy actual or potential damage.
Several major UK e-commerce websites were heavily affected during the weekend when the "Slammer" virus hit the UK, according to ZDNET NEWS. Among the worst affected in Britain were e-commerce sites Borders.co.uk, Letsbuyit.co.uk and Thorntons.co.uk.
Bank of America said 13,000 of its cash machines refused to operate. In South Korea, the country’s largest ISP KT said almost all of its customers lost their connections during the attack. Chinese computer users experienced site freezes and a dramatic slowdown in download speeds, as the worm’s effects hit the Internet’s name servers.
