Post by Char on Jan 29, 2009 11:52:26 GMT -6
I copied this from AOL news today. Char this sounds like what my problem was today, I will check it out.
What is Conflicker?
Conflicker, also known as Downadup or Kido, is the latest super virus to spread around the Internet and have security experts in a panic. When last we checked, about a week ago, Conflicker had already spread to 9 million PCs, with little sign of slowing. Now it has infected at least 10 million PCs and experts believe there may be up to 350 million vulnerable computers out there.
The worm isn't just exploiting a networking hole, however; it features a sophisticated method of cracking administrator passwords, making it difficult to remove, and also copies itself to USB drives so that it can spread even when the online flaw is plugged.
What havoc has it wreaked so far?
So far this schizophrenic virus hasn't caused any serious damage. Its primary effect has been to prevent people from installing Windows updates and anti-virus software that could potentially thwart the malware. What worries security experts, though, is Conflicker's ability to launch a second stage, downloading additional code that could hijack computers completely, steal personal information, or commit basic extortion -- demanding money for fake anti-virus software claiming to remove the infection.
How do you know you have it? What are the symptoms?
Since it is currently sitting dormant, possibly awaiting further instructions, Conflicker is very difficult to detect without running an up-to-date virus and malware scanner. However, if your Internet connection is running abnormally slowly, if services such as Windows Defender is disabled, or if you are unable to access some security-related Web sites (like those for anti-virus programs), then you may be infected and should certainly follow the removal directions included below.
Is it the biggest virus ever?
Conflicker has certainly spread far and wide, and gathered its fair share of media attention, but is it the biggest virus ever? That remains to be seen. It is certainly the biggest threat to personal computer security to come along in the last few years and would easily claim a spot on our list of the 15 Sneakiest Computer Viruses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for letting us know ..more info at snopes about this worm and other stuff ya'll might want to be aware of...
www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/ptech/01/16/virus.downadup/index.html
www.snopes.com/computer/virus/virus.asp
What is Conflicker?
Conflicker, also known as Downadup or Kido, is the latest super virus to spread around the Internet and have security experts in a panic. When last we checked, about a week ago, Conflicker had already spread to 9 million PCs, with little sign of slowing. Now it has infected at least 10 million PCs and experts believe there may be up to 350 million vulnerable computers out there.
The worm isn't just exploiting a networking hole, however; it features a sophisticated method of cracking administrator passwords, making it difficult to remove, and also copies itself to USB drives so that it can spread even when the online flaw is plugged.
What havoc has it wreaked so far?
So far this schizophrenic virus hasn't caused any serious damage. Its primary effect has been to prevent people from installing Windows updates and anti-virus software that could potentially thwart the malware. What worries security experts, though, is Conflicker's ability to launch a second stage, downloading additional code that could hijack computers completely, steal personal information, or commit basic extortion -- demanding money for fake anti-virus software claiming to remove the infection.
How do you know you have it? What are the symptoms?
Since it is currently sitting dormant, possibly awaiting further instructions, Conflicker is very difficult to detect without running an up-to-date virus and malware scanner. However, if your Internet connection is running abnormally slowly, if services such as Windows Defender is disabled, or if you are unable to access some security-related Web sites (like those for anti-virus programs), then you may be infected and should certainly follow the removal directions included below.
Is it the biggest virus ever?
Conflicker has certainly spread far and wide, and gathered its fair share of media attention, but is it the biggest virus ever? That remains to be seen. It is certainly the biggest threat to personal computer security to come along in the last few years and would easily claim a spot on our list of the 15 Sneakiest Computer Viruses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for letting us know ..more info at snopes about this worm and other stuff ya'll might want to be aware of...
www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/ptech/01/16/virus.downadup/index.html
www.snopes.com/computer/virus/virus.asp
