CONFICKER – Final Word

The latest version of the conficker worm reared its ugly head for April Fools day this year. Computer users around the world were worried that they would be infected. If you happened to be a user who kept a wary eye on “computer viruses” you were probably worried that maybe you had not done enough but probably pretty confident that you had.

Many users eyed the situation (after all the hype) as simply an “April Fools” joke and a “non-event”. That’s OK … I guess … but the virus is real … and if you were prepared, “good job” … if you weren’t … OOPS … which is much more serious than an “uh oh”.

If you’re a computer user and whether your use is at home or on the job or both, you know that you have got to have an “anti-virus” software … so you don’t have to say, “OOPS” … and there are plenty of these softwares out there. If you need to find one, just ‘google’ the word “anti virus” … you’ll get pointed to where you have to go. A couple of good ones are Norton and AVG.

I prefer and use AVG … but I’m not telling you this to sell you anything. AVG is just my preference … they keep me well informed and updated without being invasive … and they do it all in a very timely manner. For instance, here is a reprint from their January 29, 2009 news:

January 22, 2009

Downadup/Conficker worm

We saw a large amount of infections from the Downadup worm last month. This worm is also known as Conficker or Kido and is able to spread very quickly because it uses 3 effective ways to propogate:

• Exploits a Windows vulnerability MS08-067. The patch was released a long time ago but there are still a lot of unpatched computers.
• Exploiting network shares with weak or no passwords. The worm contains a list of common passwords – a good reason to use strong passwords.
• Copies itself to removable media, usually USB sticks. Using the AutoRun function (creates autorun.inf file)

The first versions of Downadup were seen at the start of December 08 and until now we have observed more than 300 different variants. All known variants are detected and healed by AVG. Besides spreading, the worm can also download other malware and can redirect legitimate URLs access to various other malicious webpages.

We strongly recommend that you install all of the latest security patches for your version of Windows. Microsoft have also released a special KB article here.

When did you learn about the Conficker virus? AVG didn’t leave me in the lurches and tell me about it the last week of March.

The FINAL WORD is simply this: It doesn’t matter how you do it … stay protected … it can be a very ugly world out there!

Conficker C, Update On The Latest Malware

The latest news on the Conficker C Worm that I’ve been able to find is from ZDNet and this is really interesting … interesting because to get to this site I know you’ve been busy googling for information … just like I have. There is some danger in looking for more information … you have to be very careful. Here is what ZDNet has to say:

If you’re trawling the Web for information on disinfecting the Conficker worm,  be very, very careful.

Cyber-criminals are latching onto the hype around the Windows malware threat and have started registering domain names linked to Conficker and poisoning search results to trick users into installing fake anti-virus software programs.

According to this growing list maintained by the Conficker Working Group, at least one of the domains is actively serving malware.  F-Secure dug into one of the domains and found an a rogueware (fake anti-virus) campaign attempting to bilk users out of $39.95 for non-existent Conficker clean-up.

You can read the full story HERE.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, publisher of the popular blog PC Doctor has written the following concerning CONFICKER C … I think you’ll find his commentary and opinion quite interesting.

Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations

The “no bull” guide to Conficker

by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

That should give you enough to read and put your mind at ease somewhat. Just keep yourself protected and have some great computing.

Stay Protected From Conficker and Other Viruses

Your Computer

Has the computer become an integral part of your life … as it has mine? Are you shopping on-line … paying bills on-line … twittering, myspacing or other social networking? If you have any on-line activity at all, you have to be aware … you have to be protected … it’s a must. There are viruses and bugs out there in cyberspace that will destroy your computer … and could destroy your financial well-being.

Getting Protected

Your computer is, most likely, an IBM compatible or an Apple. They’re both great products. It comes down to a personal matter of choice. The Operating Systems they use are different but  do the same things … differently. No matter the equipment you have,you have a financial investment,  you have to have protection … especially in this day and age of on-line computing.

There are numerous companies that have made it their business to create and provide anti-virus softwares. Clicking on the following link will take you to Microsoft’s Help and Support page where you will find a comprehensive list of companies that sell anti-virus softwares.  You can find even more information on anti-virus vendors here.

The price ranges are from $0 to annual subscription fees that top $79.99 per year. The good news is that there is protection available for every budget … you have no excuse.

Once you have decided on a software, the hard part is keeping up with it all. You have to make the effort to allow the updates to happen. Make it part of your daily ritual. For instance, as soon as I start my machine to go on-line, my anti-virus software (Grisoft’s AVG) begins their update … I don’t interrupt this process at all … I set it up to happen automatically (an option your software will allow you to do) and I let it happen … no matter what … and why not, I pay for it … and I want those updates … because every day there is a new virus to contend with.

So do yourself a favor; if your not already protected, get protected and STAY PROTECTED. Protect your ivestment.