CONFICKER WORM (AKA DOWNADUP)
Basic Steps to combat worm- type infections:
1.- Download and install the Malicious Software Removal tool from Microsoft.
2.-
Run your Windows Update to get the latest version then re-start your computer.
3.-
Open your Internet Security program & update manually. Re-start your system and run a complete scan & fix any problems. If your subscription has expired- renewals are here. If your program suggests that it has found a virus or any irregularity- take their recommendation to isolate, delete or quarantine it.
You can browse safety to shop for new Internet Security software.
Why? Worms can turn off & block updates and create fake infection pop up warnings.
Avoid- Bogus free software offers arriving by email or pop up on your screen. Shut down your system & Internet. Restart both & follow steps above.
Be wary of USB/SD drives & disks from others. Scan all files before copying them to your computer. Avoid using P2P networks that use your hard drive to share files over the Internet since they are spreading these worms quickly.
For the latest advice Click here!
Apple - Mac Not immune!
Norton/ Symantec Special Offers
Internet Security software- renewals- updates
for the following Conficker protection programs: - New, renewals & updates.
Check Point
Computer Associates
F-Secure
Summary:
To provide some details on the CONFICKER WORM (AKA DOWNADUP) that recently re-emerged in 2009. This worm has been infecting computers, web servers and centralized sites world wide- in particular in Europe and Asia. The full extent of the worm is not known yet. In appears, a criminal gang is using it to control servers and soliciting Internet Security Security sales. After your infected computer starts acting up. you receive an unsolicited email asking if you would like to buy or receive free an Internet Security package to fix the problems. Should you respond, your system could become part of larger bot network and your email and/or financial information will be compromised.
Purpose: The Conficker worm primary objective is to take over control of your system or network. This can include searching your drives for banking information, passwords, etc and intercept confidential files and emails. In addition, it can use your computer to infect other computers.
History:
Conficker has been spreading for months. You may not know you have already been compromised and are acting to spread it to friends and associates. Even your FaceBook account can be used to send people on your friend's list the malware. As soon as they open your trusted email- they can become infected and start participating in the spread- unknowingly also.
The Windows® and most free firewalls are only a basic inbound firewall. A inbound and outbound firewall is needed to stop the spread from your emails and file attachments. In addition, you need protection from devices like USB flash drives, CD's, wireless connections and physical network attachment.
April 1, 2009 has been identified as date when the worm on your system can request new instructions from its' creators. These instructions could range from no further instructions at this time to format your drives and shut down completely after all personally identifiable data is compromised. It is very important if you are using the Internet that you own a current professionally made & supported Antivirus or Internet Security program since neither Windows or Apple operating systems come with them. A program that came with your computer when it was new could still be on your system but without renewing your virus prevention subscription (usually yearly), you are not protected from this threat or any new threat since the expiry. Since then, conficker has joined with the waledac worm to create a larger bot net.
How do I know if I am infected?
See our list below. To see if you are infected you can test for it on the Symantec and McAfee sites.
To get the latest info on conficker & current threats visit: US-Cert.- USA Homeland Security!
Feed Back & Q&A from Norton Software/ Symantec
Symantec is on-top of the latest threats to online activity, including keeping customers safe from the Conficker worm, more commonly referred to as the Downadup malware. All three of Norton’s top selling products (Norton AntiVirus, Internet Security & 360) protect, detect, and remove the Conficker worm.
Here is Symantec’s FAQ concerning the Conficker worm that can help customers know that Symantec provides the best in online security.
Q: Am I safe if I don’t go to questionable web sites?
A: No. The Conficker worm seeks out computers on the same network. You can be in a coffee shop, an airport or in the office and the worm will quietly try to attach to your computer and run itself.
Q: How do I know if I am infected?
A: The best way to know if you are infected is to run a good antivirus product. Symptoms that may indicate you are infected include your being blocked from accessing the web sites of most security companies,
Q: Can’t I just run free antivirus software?
A: Yes, but they’re not thorough or comprehensive. While some of the legitimate free antivirus products are not bad at detecting viruses in files, they only provide basic protection, in general they are weak at detecting modern threats such as drive-by-downloads, malicious web sites and intrusion attempts. Worse, the internet is overflowing with fake free security scanners that actually infect your computer. Fake scanners such as “Antivirus 2008” are difficult to identify and have plagued hundreds of thousands of users around the world.
More information on Norton/ Symantec Security software selections to combat conficker and other damaging programs.
Should you decide to acquire a new, renewal or update to your Security software package or u please return here for the latest special offers in the side bar. Many times a new package or upgrade can be just as cost effective as a renewal with additional protection. We feel confident in the following Companies that have been providing security for at least ten years, have professional Staff in place and are financial stable enough to meet the challenge of this threat and new ones- going forward.
Microsoft is on the hunt again for genuine licenses compliance- poor timing under the circumstances. Urge your operating system company to allocate more resources to the fight against people that want to use your Internet for their own purposes.
