Windows Users, Apply Security Patch Immediately

UPDATE: 13th August 2003:
RE: Microsoft New Zealand

Note to Editor:

If you are covering this security issue, Microsoft would appreciate that you use the following URLs and Phone numbers rather than any previously issued.
Phone: 0800 800 004.
Website: http://www.microsoft.com/security

Thank you for your assistance.

Megan Rosier
AUGUST.ONE COMMUNICATIONS

Microsoft Re-issues Call for Customers to Apply Security Patch Immediately

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - Microsoft New Zealand today strengthened its call for all New Zealanders with Microsoft® Windows® software to apply a security patch to protect them against a new computer worm.

Today, a new worm known as W32.Blaster.Worm (also known as MBlaster, W32/Lovsan.worm, MSBlast, W32.blaster.worm, Win32.posa.worn, Win32poza.worm) has been identified as seeking to exploit a security risk that can be patched with Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-026 issued in July 2003.

Terry Allen, Enterprise and Partner Group Director, Microsoft New Zealand, urges customers with Microsoft Windows on their computers to apply this patch immediately.

Allen says the download patch can be applied directly from https://windowsupdate.com . This patch will protect computers from this worm.

Allen advises all users of Windows NT®, Windows 2000, Windows XP® and Windows Server(tm) 2003 to do the following, in order:

* Enable the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) if you have Windows XP or Windows Server 2003.

* If you are running Windows 2000 or Windows NT, install an internet firewall of your choice.

* Download the patch at windowsupdate.com

* Update and run your antivirus software. Customers who don't currently have an antivirus program installed should refer to http://www.microsoft.com/security/articles/antivirus.asp for help about anti-virus software or a list of Microsoft partners.

"Customers who find themselves in difficulty in installing this patch should call Microsoft Services Support (MSS) on 0800 800 004. MSS will endeavour to assist customers to remove the worm from their computer." This worm can affect anyone using any of the following versions of Microsoft Windows:

* Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

* Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Services Edition

* Microsoft Windows 2000

* Microsoft Windows XP

* Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

"Microsoft is working with our Virus Information Alliance (VIA) partners and we have jointly rated the severity as high," says Allen. "We will continue to investigate the issue and provide customers with the most updated information and prescriptive guidance when available."

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

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