Have you heard of the Conficker worm? This is a real nasty one, and experts estimate that between five million and ten million PCs have been infected with it worldwide. The problem is, they don't really know how many computers are infected, or what the worm will do. It hasn't really caused many problems yet, so you might not even know you're infected.
But that's going to change soon. On April 1st, it is going to activate. It will "phone home", so to speak, and get further instructions. It has the potential to do anything from delete all the files on your hard drives to record your keystrokes in attempt to steal your banking information. It could pop up a window trying to sell you fake security software, it can turn your computer into a spam-spewing zombie, or use it for a denial of service attack on web sites. Chances are, it won't try to damage your PC. Hackers have moved away from creating havoc for fame and bragging rights, and are now more interested in getting you to part with your money.
So how can you tell if you're infected with the Conficker worm? It's simple. Try doing a Windows Update. (MS08-067 is the one you need.) The Conficker worm disables Windows Update and a few other security programs. This scan may detect it as well (Vista users click here). The bad guys don't want you to be able to update Windows should Microsoft come out with something that will neutralize it. If you can do a Windows update, you probably aren't infected (never say never).
Now, what can you do if you are infected? Well, security expert Sophos has developed a tool to remove Conficker. Downloading it requires registration at their site, and they will ask for your e-mail address. They won't share it, but they may use it to send you product advertisements and such. Hey, they're a company. They gotta make money somehow. You can opt-out of their advertisements (in fact, that's the default), but they may still send you e-mail about security updates (although you have to agree to it). I'm wouldn't be concerned about it, they are a reputable company and I read their privacy policy. In my opinion, they are the best hope for a fix.
This one has me concerned, folks. You see,
this worm can change to avoid detection. I can't guarantee my advice will work. We won't know until April 1st what it can or will do. Please, try to update Windows. If that fails, try the Sophos remover. But whatever you do, do it before April 1st. Ten million computers in the hands of a criminal would be no laughing matter.
Tim
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