As a result of a recently announced Microsoft Windows MS03-026 virus alert, GE Medical Systems has been diligently working to identify any impact on GE systems. Products that are based on these Microsoft operating systems: Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 2000 or Windows XP, have been identified as potentially susceptible.
The majority of GE Medical Systems products are not based on these affected Microsoft operating systems. GE engineering and quality teams are working directly with Microsoft to assess the impact and to determine what remedy may exist for affected products.
If you are concerned about any of your GE Medical Systems equipment, especially those used for critical care or invasive procedures that may have been corrupted by this virus, please contact your company network team or your local GE service representative.
GE will continue to communicate timely information as it becomes available in order to assist you during this time and is dedicated to quality service to its customers.
Customer FAQs What is the MS Blast virus?
The MS Blast Virus is a worm that affects Microsoft Windows versions 2000, NT, XP, in both stand-alone and server applications. The infection path is normally through an existing network and/or internet connection.
What products/software packages are vulnerable?
The majority of GE products are not Windows based and thus not likely to be impacted by this computer worm. There are some GE Medical Systems’ products that use Microsoft Windows – 2000, Windows XP, or Windows NT as an operating system. If you have questions, please contact your local service representative.
I have a Windows-based system. How do I know if the system is vulnerable?
Your system may be vulnerable if your system is connected to a network and if your system uses Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Window NT.
Who at GE can help assess whether I have systems at risk?
Your best source of information is your local service representative
How do I know if my system is infected?
On Windows based systems, have your local IT team look for the suspect files (MSBlast.exe for example) by using your system’s search capability. Some of the symptoms include unexpected system reboots, performance issues, or the inability to perform normal functions without error.
What should I do if my system is infected?
If you believe that your system is infected with the Blast worm, please contact your local service representative.
Once a system has been cleaned of the worm, can it become reinfected?
Yes. Once a system is cleaned, reinfection is possible. One of the best ways to protect a system from infection by a worm or virus is to place it behind a network firewall.
Should I take the system off my network?
Your local IT team can advise you of your network’s integrity. GE service connectivity is thoroughly monitored to prevent it from spreading viruses or worms. Call your service representative for system specific guidance.
Has the worm been transmitted through GE’s “Insite” Service Network?
GE constantly monitors our network to prevent it from spreading viruses or worms. We know of no instances where worms or viruses have been transmitted through the GE service network.
Should I load the Microsoft patch? Will GE do it for me?
Call your local service representative for specific guidance.
If GE services other manufacturers’ equipment at my facility, will you check those systems for possible infection?
Yes, all systems under GE contract will be covered.
Can other manufacturers’ equipment affect my GE equipment?
All networked and/or Internet enabled equipment that use the affected Microsoft operating systems can enable infection or reinfection.
Is my patient’s safety compromised?
We are monitoring this virus and other viruses to assess the situation. We have not received any reports from customers that the virus has impacted patient care.
Is patient confidentiality at risk as a result of this virus?
We have no evidence at this time of any breach in medical records. It appears this worm does not disturb or corrupt files stored on the system.
Will this virus delete files?
At this time, it appears this worm does not disturb or corrupt files stored on the system.
What is your corrective action plan and when do you expect to implement it?
GE is developing system specific corrective actions and will make them available in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Has GE stopped shipment on any products?
GE is evaluating all product lines prior to shipment and will restrict product distribution if necessary.
Will this affect any orders that I have placed?
GE is evaluating each product line and will deliver products consistent with a high degree of safety and quality.
Where can I learn more about the MS Blaster Virus?
Additional information is available from the CERT Coordination Center®, which can be found at http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-2003-20.html. This site contains a summary of W32/Blaster worm, the underlying Microsoft RPC vulnerability, as well as steps an organization can take to reduce the spread of the worm on a network.
GE Medical Systems is validating whether the patch is effective for use on all affected products. While GE Medical Systems is validating the patch, customers are advised that their use of the patch prior to receiving approval from GE Medical Systems is done at their own risk. Until the validation testing of the patch is completed for each product, GE cannot tell you whether your product will be adversely affected. Once GE has these validation results it will inform its customers immediately. If a customer uses the patch before GE completes its validation testing, please let GE know immediately if you experience any adverse effects.
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