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Conficker is a computer worm which can cause major damage to unprotected Microsoft Windows systems including Vista and the new beta copies of Windows 7. It’s been around since October 2008, and it’s estimated to have affected 9 to 15 million computers. In fact, top virus scanners are reporting that around 6% of scanned computers currently contain the worm. Until this week however, the worm hasn’t actually done much, other than block access to antivirus sites and services like Windows Update, ensuring its survival.
Beware of Fake AntiVirus Programs
On April 9 however, the worm began to use built in peer-to-peer functionality to update itself and download a fake antivirus application, ‘SpywareProtect2009’. Like many other ‘rogue’ spyware and antivirus applications, the program will identify fake threats to your computer and then offer to fix them for the nominal price of $49.95. This kind of scam on a scale of millions of computers could allow scammers to make massive amounts of money.
Its newest updates have also made it stronger, adding more domains to the list of blocked sites which includes popular antivirus brands, online scanners and the Microsoft website. Symantec has also reported the worm using high-threat Malware to turn computers into spambots as well as stealing passwords for anything from email to internet banking services. It means the worm has become a more serious problem for users who are infected, many of whom may still be unaware of any issues. Like many viruses, the worm is split into different ‘variants’ all of which could potentially do something different. Director of Security Response at Symantec, Kevin Hogan, stated: “Not all Conficker nodes act the same,” he said. “Some are not downloading at all, so it wouldn’t entirely be out of the question that different nodes or sections of the botnet downloaded different things.”
Conficker is still going strong and despite a $250,000 reward from Microsoft for any information leading to arrests, the makers of the worm are still at large. This new activity might go some way to bringing law enforcement closer to the creators. Until then, those who are infected will find the newest updates from most reputable brands of antivirus software are able to detect and remove the worm, and online scans can quickly discover if your computer has been comprised by the worm.
Conficker Worm Protection
One of the best ways of protecting yourself against viruses and other malicious code would maybe to purchase a decent, well known and trusted Firewall, AntiVirus and Anti Spyware program, and update this frequently. Updating your operating system frequently would also possibly help.
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