Conficker Virus

Okay, this isn't an April fool's joke. This is a nasty virus that is currently non-decipherable to determine it's methods for operation. As most viruses go, it is spread from porn sites, free software sites, protect your pc sites, open networks, machines that don't update themselves, etc.

I am posting a warning here for you guys because I know how much you like the PNS and porn. So, read this article discussing the virus: PC World Article on Conficker Virus

So, make sure that today you install all your Microsoft updates and run some scans. I suggest Kaspersky internet security 2009 over anything on the market.

I have ESET smart security, better than Kaspersky IMO.

I have America Online 3.0! WHAT NOW

As another tip though this may slow your computer down use https instead of http. It's the secure version and most sites will run that way.

HOLY CRAP no joke here, my IST 220 class RIGHT NOW is in a lab to protect our computers from this thing. What do u guys know about it, halp!

Um, I use a Mac, what are the chances it's built to attack my computer? Lawl.

From what I understand this isn't much of a threat even if you have it; what it will do is hook your computer up with an illicit network that could then be used to do all sorts of nasty stuff to other people, so you should take precautions anyway. Plus it might screw with your computer speed, and no gamer wants that.

Not only that, but it prevents your current virus scan and OS from updating or even running. From what I can tell, it mutates over so many infections of systems and gets nastier. I assume that this is why deciphering it has become an issue.

I don't think it is something that should be classed as not a serious threat. Even the most serious of past threats were able to be studied relatively quickly, this one has been around for awhile and hasn't been cracked yet. So, who knows what kinds of mutations it will lead to in the future.

I hate how every time a beast virus comes along, they advertise shitty programs like McAfee and Norton. And my internet runs slow all the time, due to the fact my Master Socket is basically hanging of my wall and needs repaired, so I can't use that as a method of detection, that's *if* I haven't had the latest updates, and avast hasn't updated it's Virus DB yet.

I can't remember the last time I had Microsoft updates though, L.

Good point.

Tempted to take my computer off the internet tommorow just in case it is a real threat. Without internet access, it shouldn't be able to download instructions.

McAfee ftw!

If I only visit the same sites (Youtube, Forums, Gamespot, etc.) am I still at risk... or is this directed to those that explore frequently, in search of porn or other content prone to virus?

I have McAfee and Norton and have been considerably safe and clean so far.

My OS isn't on the affected list LOL

I can't see Windows 7 on there.

~Abs

Yah Macs are not affected; it's built to destroy windows.
BUT BREAKING NEWS ABOUT IT
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7976099.stm

did the internet explode yet?

Same, lol

I'm more relieved now... Not because it's past the expected date, but because the news sources I heard from failed to mention it was an international issue. In which case, 15m is not a lot of computers. And most of them being in Asia, means there is less of a likelihood that my worthless, innocent comp has been targeted.

^ It's not an issue YET. The millions of infected computers are still a huge issue. Right now the virus is dormant, still sitting there waiting for instructions from those 50,000 domains. Soon as the hacker puts the instructions out there, all hell breaks loose.

Anyway to get rid of it do this:
1. Set a System Restore Point, just in case.
2. Download Malware Removers known to remove Conficker:
-Downadup Remover from www.bdtools.net
-KB890830-V2.8.exe from www.microsoft.com
3. Download and Install Microsoft Critical Update MS08-067.
4. Follow the instructions on www.opendns.com to prevent it from getting further instructions. (optional)
5. Made sure Windows Defender is operational and do a scan just in case.

If you CAN'T get to the websites to download these then you probably have the virus, in this case contact me.

Right, it hasn't received any new instructions and 15 million computers are "known" to have been infected. It could be as many as 30 million currently with more being infected every day. It is the largest infection that has occurred. The nasty thing is that the virus is capable of Peer 2 Peer communication, so if could really just stop contacting websites for instructions all together and then it would be very hard to trace the outbreak once those new instructions were given.

Realistically, you just need to be concerned about your personal data as that is going to be the likely use of the virus on your computer should it go active. It will want your personal and bank information to use for the creator's own gains and further criminal activity.

I seem to have avoided it.

F**k knows If I have It....I don't think It's possible to make my computer any slower lol

^true tho, it has been said to disable safe mode.

i wouldn't resort to fully redoing your system though >.<