Note-I'm posting this because jagex may delete it later on and therefore some of you might miss the chance to see it, as it is, important.

 

 

 

29 September 2007 - Important information

 

We have become aware of a new malicious computer virus/worm, and wanted to let everyone know about some good practices to help keep your computer and RuneScape account safe. There's no need to panic, but there are some precautions you should take.

 

The reason we are mentioning this worm in particular is because we believe that one version of it may attempt to specifically steal RuneScape passwords by recording your key presses as you type, and sending them back to the worm owner.

 

 

 

The new worm is called Bubbles, but is also known as Ramex, Skipi and Pykspa. Bubbles can get on to a computer in two different ways. Either by being downloaded directly from a third party website, or by a user receiving and opening a file disguised as a web link in third party messaging programs.

 

 

 

The worm cannot be transmitted through playing RuneScape or using the RuneScape.com website.

 

 

 

The security of the RuneScape servers themselves is in no way affected by this, this worms affect users own computers, not our servers which are very well protected.

 

 

 

The best protection against malicious computer software is to stay vigilant and use an up to date anti-virus program.

 

 

 

For anyone who is not currently using an anti-virus program, we really recommend that you install one as soon as possible! In fact install one right now!

 

 

 

If you do have an anti-virus program installed but it is not up to date, please take the time to update it with the latest virus definitions now. Again don't delay!

 

 

 

Lastly, you should never accept files from unknown sources full stop. However pay extra special attention when using 3rd party messaging programs or email as it is very easy to accidentally download malicious software by following a link.

 

 

 

:o

I just updated my antivirus now after reading this article, running a scan right now.. :ohnoes: I hope I'm safe :pray:

Yeah me too, it's quite scary when it comes from Jagex' mouth :shock:

If anyone happens to read this and feels like "zomg I need teh antivirus liek now" I'd recommend you check out AVG Antivirus (google it, I'm lazy). It's a decent anti-virus program, and doesn't cost a thing.

 

 

 

From the description, you have to actually open a file to get infected, so it shouldn't be particulary hard to avoid it or anything.

Delete this.

Yeah me too, it's quite scary when it comes from Jagex' mouth :shock:

 

 

 

Yeah, I just updated straightaway. It's lucky I have a pay to use program.

 

 

 

I think that Jagex only annnounced it because it was the first ever virus which was directly affiliated to stealing runescape passwords.

If anyone happens to read this and feels like "zomg I need teh antivirus liek now" I'd recommend you check out AVG Antivirus (google it, I'm lazy). It's a decent anti-virus program, and doesn't cost a thing.

 

 

 

From the description, you have to actually open a file to get infected, so it shouldn't be particulary hard to avoid it or anything.

 

 

 

What if I have it and it's already in one of my files? :ohnoes:

 

 

 

I really wouldn't worry too much, most A/V Programs detect viruses as soon as they are "released" into the system.

 

In ye good ole words of the stronghold of security, do a virus scan, change your password, and go back to playing runescape.

its only if you strupid enough to go on 3rd party runescape website or accept things of strangers

Good thing I don't click any links that get sent to my email, eh?

Personally I'm not really being paranoid about this new virus, good malicious scripts and programs are being made every day and they float in the internet freely. However it saddens me that some people even on late 2000s still don't have a proper security system. It should be part of the basic knowledge *not* to click on things you don't know, always keep your antivirus software and firewall up to date and use their basic knowledge.

 

 

 

That message was useful if even one single person woke up from his dreams, but personally I see it as the same as they'd soon started to publish news like "remember to fasten your seat belts when you're in a car".

a lot of you seem quite panicky about this but i don't see why you should. if you follow good computer guidelines you should be fine, and also remember to follow the below advice i just posted on runevillage:

 

 

 

Also, with this in mind, remember to NEVER click URL's from new registered members. it might not be what you expect it to be and may download malicious software into your computer! our mods go a great job of dispoising of such posts but they can never be quick enough! Please be careful when clicking URL's from members with low post counts! we don't want any account lossages here. and also remember to NEVER click email attachments from unknown senders.

 

 

 

Villagers, keep your rs accounts safe :wink:

its only if you strupid enough to go on 3rd party runescape website or accept things of strangers

 

 

 

 

 

Ermmm..... sorry to be the bearer of bad news...... but you are on a 3rd party runescape website....

its only if you strupid enough to go on 3rd party runescape website or accept things of strangers

 

 

 

 

 

Ermmm..... sorry to be the bearer of bad news...... but you are on a 3rd party runescape website....

 

 

 

Hehe, I was laughing irl when I read that comment :lol:

 

 

 

But seriously, if you got a virusscan and a firewall, this shouldn't be to much of a problem.(if they're up to date)

Makes me scan :ohnoes: .

Unless you are infected by the virus known as '[developmentally delayed]ation', you shouldn't have any problems.

Not to mention every single one of you should be using Firefox too.

Not to mention every single one of you should be using Firefox too.

 

 

 

I use FireFox now. :)

 

 

 

I'll be more careful then..

I don't see why this is so special. Jagex described a keylogger that is installed when someone is being stupid.

 

Just think before accepting files in general is something everyone should know and do, so nothing to worry about.

 

 

 

A virusscanner in this *specific* case is only needed if you've been so foolish to let the worm install on your pc.

 

The best protection for your pc, is still you.

I will add, AVG isn't just a free alternative but one of the top anti-viral programs around, In my opinion the best well worth downloading.

 

 

 

Also you should all be running Spybot search and destroy and Ad-Aware for some nice protection from all types of spyware.

 

 

 

Its all good having these programs, but you have to keep them up-to-date!.

 

 

 

Spybot updates Wednesdays, Ad-Aware once a week also Fridays mainly AVG will update itself at start up but nice to update it manually every 6+ hours if your computer is left on.

 

 

 

------------------------

 

 

 

AVG Free Anti-Virus

 

 

 

Spybot Search & Destroy

 

 

 

Ad-Aware SE Free

 

 

 

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I don't see why this is so special. Jagex described a keylogger that is installed when someone is being stupid.

 

Just think before accepting files in general is something everyone should know and do, so nothing to worry about.

 

 

 

A virusscanner in this *specific* case is only needed if you've been so foolish to let the worm install on your pc.

 

 

 

Its a lot more then a keylogger, it can spread across unsecured networks easily so one school computer infected is all the computers in school infected.

 

You would be amazed to how many people don't update there security let alone have any, you know it has to be a threat when Jagex feel the need to add it on the main page so yeah it is something to keep and eye out for.

Personally I'm not really being paranoid about this new virus, good malicious scripts and programs are being made every day and they float in the internet freely. However it saddens me that some people even on late 2000s still don't have a proper security system. It should be part of the basic knowledge *not* to click on things you don't know, always keep your antivirus software and firewall up to date and use their basic knowledge.

 

 

 

That message was useful if even one single person woke up from his dreams, but personally I see it as the same as they'd soon started to publish news like "remember to fasten your seat belts when you're in a car".[/quote

 

 

 

Yet most of the population doesn't use seatbelts anyways]

 

Its a lot more then a keylogger, it can spread across unsecured networks easily so one school computer infected is all the computers in school infected.

 

You would be amazed to how many people don't update there security let alone have any, you know it has to be a threat when Jagex feel the need to add it on the main page so yeah it is something to keep and eye out for.

 

Oh I see. Yes, spreading it can be quite dangerous indeed. In that case it's good Jagex mentions this because it will probably prevent the spreading.. for a bit.

 

Nonetheless, for the average tip.itter there is no need to worry extra.

glad i ran a virus check last night :D

I've got 5 different anti-virus/spyware programs, and all are up to date. I think I'm safe. :P

For any of you techno geeks out there....are Ad Aware SE and ZoneAlarm good enough?

They really should have used one of the other names to talk about it... describing a vicious, evil worm while using the name "bubbles" sort of detracts from the mood.