Threat behavior
When Win32/Optixpro runs, it can take the same actions as Win32/Optix. This includes displaying false error messages, disabling security-related applications, and running programs that it downloads from a Web site. The Trojan also opens a backdoor that allows an attacker to terminate processes, run programs remotely, and retrieve confidential information.
Win32/Optixpro also allows an attacker to exchange files, scan and redirect ports, and set up an FTP or SOCKS server. The Trojan can shut down or crash Windows 9x systems and cause problems with the display and peripherals.
Win32/Optixpro has other functions that can be configured. This includes programs or Windows resources to use, hide, modify, or terminate. For instance, the Trojan can modify the registry so that the Trojan runs each time an executable file runs. The Trojan can also drop a rootkit to hide files and registry keys. Methods of exchanging data are also configurable. For example, the attacker can specify the port and password for the backdoor. The attacker can also specify the way to be notified that a computer has been infected, such as through ICQ, IRC, e-mail, MSN Messenger, or a Web site.
Prevention
Take the following steps to help prevent infection on your system:
Enable a firewall on your computer.
Get the latest computer updates.
Use up-to-date antivirus software.
Enable a firewall on your computer
Use a third-party firewall product or turn on the Microsoft Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall.
To turn on the Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP
Click Start, and click Control Panel.
Click Network and Internet Connections, and click Network Connections. If you do not see Network and Internet Connections, click Switch to Category View.
Highlight a connection that you want to help protect, and click Change settings of this connection.
Click Advanced, and select Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
Click OK.
Get the latest computer updates
Updates help protect your computer from viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered. You can use the Automatic Updates feature in Microsoft Windows XP to automatically download future Microsoft security updates while your computer is on and connected to the Internet.
To turn on Automatic Updates in Windows XP
Click Start, and click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance. If you do not see Performance and Maintenance, click Switch to Category View.
Click System.
Click Automatic Updates, and select Keep my computer up to date.
Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify and setting a regular update time.
If you choose to have Automatic Updates notify you in step 5, you will see a notification balloon when new downloads are available to install. Click the notification balloon to review and install updates.
Use up-to-date antivirus software
Most antivirus software can detect and prevent infection by known malicious software. You should always run antivirus software on your computer that is updated with the latest signature files to automatically help protect you from infection. If you don't have antivirus software installed, you can get it from one of several companies. For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/downloads/default.mspx
