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1537What is the Conficker Downadup Worm?
The Conficker (other aliases: Downadup/Kido) computer Network Worm is due to "phone home" on April 1st 2009.
Conficker exploits a critical vulnerability (MS08-067) in Microsoft Windows to spread via local networks and removable storage media. Mac OSX is not at risk.
The worm disables Windows system restore, blocks access to security websites, and downloads additional malware to infected machines.
Users are strongly recommended to ensure their antivirus databases are up to date. The MS08-067 patch for the vulnerability is available from Microsoft.
Q. How do I know if I have been infected?
A rather basic test is to try and log onto an anti-virus website. Conficker blocks many of these sites in an attempt to keep users in the dark.
If you believe you may be infected, Kaspersky has a free removal tool for the worm.
Download the zip file and extract its contents. Run KKiller.exe from a command line to scan for and clean [if infected] the Conficker/Kido worm.
Further information:
- http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001636.html
- http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208279973
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7973841.stm
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