The Conficker Virus

**Mercio** · 03/31/2009 18:26:43

Apparently, there is a virus that is going around. It has already infected 3,000,000 -12,000,000 computers. This Virus is called the Conficker Virus (a.k.a Downadup)

It infects computers maliciously and just sits there. Your computer pretty much becomes a sleeper cell, until they receive further orders. These orders could be something simple as sending out spam, to packeting someone (which is sending an immense amount of data to an IP address which basically makes it crash), to as complicated as brute force Hacking a government network. This isn't any small matter. Microsoft has issued a $250,000 reward leading to the arrest of the Conficker Creators.

On April 1st (April fools day), the Conficker Creators have said that they will launch the next step of their virus and start issuing orders to the millions of computers that are awaiting further instructions. Take all the necessary steps to protect your computer, if it hasn't already been infected, that is. These steps would include getting yourself some anti-virus protection (although the virus has been created to go around most virus protection systems), as well as making sure your computer is COMPLETELY up-to-date with all the updates from Microsoft. Also avoid downloading any illegal content.

Read about it all here ----> http://www.usatoday.com/money/indus...uter-worm_N.htm

Also here ----> http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/24/...worm/index.html

**nubious81**

Macs ftw SMILEY

but yea since i switched to a imac i have yet to run into another virus since i did on my last windoze machine. Now i have bootcamp and Macdrive 7 bascily reads all formated Mac drives so i just keep all my mp3s and any important files on my mac so worst case i would have to reinstall xp and just programs only SMILEY

**ArchDuke**

Interesting stuff. I'll make sure to double-check on my computers before the 1st. Thanks for the heads up Mercio.

**Mercio**

nubious81 wrote:

Macs ftw

but yea since i switched to a imac i have yet to run into another virus since i did on my last windoze machine. Now i have bootcamp and Macdrive 7 bascily reads all formated Mac drives so i just keep all my mp3s and any important files on my mac so worst case i would have to reinstall xp and just programs only

If Macs ever become popular with the masses, then there will be more viruses for them than you can shake a stick at. Plus, the first couple rounds of viruses will be devastating. Because all you Mac users think you're invincible and dont need anti-virus software. ^-^

**Bayamos**

Mercio wrote:

nubious81 wrote:
Macs ftw

but yea since i switched to a imac i have yet to run into another virus since i did on my last windoze machine. Now i have bootcamp and Macdrive 7 bascily reads all formated Mac drives so i just keep all my mp3s and any important files on my mac so worst case i would have to reinstall xp and just programs only
If Macs ever become popular with the masses, then there will be more viruses for them than you can shake a stick at. Plus, the first couple rounds of viruses will be devastating. Because all you Mac users think you're invincible and dont need anti-virus software. ^-^

http://www.channelregister.co.uk/20...03/28/mac_hack/

**phi**

Bay... that was last year... this year same result but all 3 browsers fell:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/0...9/pwn2own_day1/

interestingly enough... conflicker is java based and of 47 computers (linux, mac & windows - mixed versions) about half the macs were infected when I started... but the others were all fine.

**Zeac**

So anything bad happen to anybody with this new c strain?

**Tygrius**

Zeac wrote:

So anything bad happen to anybody with this new c strain?

not me....but if its as bad as they say it is, i doubt they'd be able to get on and tell us.

**Zeac**

thats true, I remember having something like the a strain though (with a fake windows saying you need to buy some software) all it did was annoy me and slow down my computer but of course this could be worse.

**ZippyTheSquirrel**

Nothing happened! HA! The "ultimate" April Fool's prank.

I wasn't skeered.

Then again, the best trick of the Devil might be in play.

**Tygrius**

ZippyTheSquirrel wrote:

Nothing happened! HA! The "ultimate" April Fool's prank.
I wasn't skeered.
Then again, the best trick of the Devil might be in play.

or...they are waiting for the heat to die down SMILEY

**CableSelect**

Thanks for the heads up.

**mantra777**

Threat Far from over. It's not like a Thief would tell its victims on what time and day they'll be burglarized.

**MxO_Neopill**

Also, even though April 1st is passed. Even running a search for the Conflicker can infect your PC. Be wary and very careful.

If you are running Windows 7 beta, make sure your AV software can support it. I know alot of the AV software will run on W7, but that doesnt mean it protects it by a longshot. My recomandation is AVG or the latest version of onecare.

Another friendly Public Service announcement from the friendly people at E.Pluribus Neo - Syntax.

The Pillster.

**CableSelect**

MxO_Neopill wrote:

Also, even though April 1st is passed. Even running a search for the Conflicker can infect your PC. Be wary and very careful.
If you are running Windows 7 beta, make sure your AV software can support it. I know alot of the AV software will run on W7, but that doesnt mean it protects it by a longshot. My recomandation is AVG or the latest version of onecare.
Another friendly Public Service announcement from the friendly people at E.Pluribus Neo - Syntax.

The Pillster.

I would have to say that you can't go wrong with AVG. They are very reliable. But like all AV protection they can't protect your computer 100%.