Some Dell Servers Shipped with Malware tagged: , ,

Some Dell Servers Shipped with Malware

Posted by staffwriter in Tech News

Some models of Dell Servers may have shipped with Malware embedded in their motherboards, putting users at risk.

According to Forrest Norrod, vice president and general manager of server platforms at Dell, “The issue affects a limited number of replacement motherboards in four servers – PowerEdge R310, PowerEdge R410, PowerEdge R510 and PowerEdge T410…”.  What does this mean for you and me?  It means that a certain number of motherboards shipped from Dell contain some potentially harmful software embedded in the firmware of the motherboard.

The problem as been blamed on human error on the part of employees, and has prompted an overhaul of Dell’s hardware testing.

The malware in question is the W32.Spybot worm, found in the flash memory, which will affect users running unpatched versions of Windows without any anti-virus software.

Dell has already started making phone calls and sending letters to those who may be affected by the issue, has taken all  affected motherboards off the market, and has started shipping new, clean parts.  If you think you may be affected by the issue, contact Dell’s customer support.

Forrest Norrod’s full statement:

“Dell is aware of the issue and is contacting affected customers. The issue affects a limited number of replacement motherboards in four servers – PowerEdge R310, PowerEdge R410, PowerEdge R510 and PowerEdge T410 – and only potentially manifests itself when a customer has a specific configuration and is not running current anti-virus software. This issue does not affect systems as shipped from our factory and is limited to replacement parts only. Dell has removed all impacted motherboards from its service supply chain and new shipping replacement stock does not contain the malware. Customers can find more information on Dell’s community forum.”

If you believe you are affected by this problem, or don’t know if you’re affected, give us a call at 361-229-2323, and we’ll help you resolve any problems you may be having.