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April 1 Virus: Preparing for the Conficker worm
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This April Fool's Day may not be a joke for many Microsoft Windows users – those who are at high risk of becoming infected with a serious computer virus known as the Conficker worm.
Nicknamed the 'April 1 virus', the worm is programmed to target as many as 50,000 domains and to “hunt for new instructions on April ," Graham Cluley of the British security firm Sophos confirmed in an interview.
Sounds ominous, yes?
However, Cluley added, "This does not mean that anything is going to happen, or that the worm is actually going to do anything. Simply, it is scheduled to hunt a wider range of Web sites for instructions on that date."
Photo Credit: Binary Code by Flávio Takemoto at sxc.hu
Though this threat possess the potential for a digital pandemic – disabling multiple computers and networks -- there are steps that can minimize the average consumer's risk. Additionally, only PCs and networks currently infected with Conflicker B variant are thought to be at great risk. (See: Giz Explains: How a Brainy Worm Might Jack the World's PCs on April 1)
What is the Conficker worm (aka the April 1 virus) and what can it do?
According to CNet News, three variants of the worm exist and the worst offender is labeled Conficker C. This particular virus has the potential to disable security services, block access to security Web sites and download a Trojan – malware that causes further damage.
How is the April 1 virus spread?
Conficker C is thought to be generally spread via both peer-to-peer networking and/or visiting an infected website, of which 50,000 domains, including commonly used websites, that are reportedly potential targets of April 1 virus.
How can you both protect your PC against and remove the Conficker worm:
Microsoft Windows users should:
- Employ standard security precautions, including regular data backup and using strong passwords,
- Apply any related security patches from Microsoft, currently MS08-067
- Update virus software and view related recommendations concerning Conficker from the vendor's website,
- Disable Print and File sharing,
- Update the Windows Auto Run feature (See PC World for an easy tool),
- Download the free Panda Security USB Vaccine program per instructions,
- Use Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool as needed. Follow the instructions at the Microsoft Security Center on or after April 1, even if your PC does not show symptoms of infection.
Note that the aforementioned virus removal tool may only work on earlier variants of the Conficker worm, such as “B.” Keep apprised of updates.
More information about the April 1 Virus
Additional solutions for both virus protection and removal are being aggressively pursued by the Conficker Coalition Working Group, including Microsoft. Instructions for Conficker removal may be adjusted when more is known about the virus.
The aforementioned computer security measures can dramatically reduce one's risk of computer hardware and data loss.
Stay tuned for updates on Conficker C, this year's April 1 virus.
Related Computer Security Websites:
See also: Examiner Gadgets and Tech
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