From LifeHacker.com and Microsoft.com

The latest horrible virus is set to hit on April 1st, 2009. It’s called Conficker, and we’ll explain how to make sure you are safe.

Also Known As:
TA08-297A (other)
CVE-2008-4250 (other)
VU827267 (other)
Win32/Conficker.A (CA)
Mal/Conficker-A (Sophos)
Trojan.Win32.Agent.bccs (Kaspersky)
W32.Downadup.B (Symantec)
Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Agent.aqfw (Kaspersky)
W32/Conficker.worm (McAfee)
Trojan:Win32/Conficker!corrupt (Microsoft)
W32.Downadup (Symantec)
WORM_DOWNAD (Trend Micro)
Confickr (other)

Summary
Win32/Conficker is a worm that infects other computers across a network by exploiting a vulnerability in the Windows Server service (SVCHOST.EXE). If the vulnerability is successfully exploited, it could allow remote code execution when file sharing is enabled. Depending on the specific variant, it may also spread via removable drives and by exploiting weak passwords. It disables several important system services and security products and downloads arbitrary files.

Microsoft strongly recommends that users apply the update referred to in Security Bulletin MS08-067 immediately.

Microsoft also recommends that users ensure that their network passwords are strong to prevent this worm from spreading via weak administrator passwords.

First line of protection: Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

The first step in detecting and removing horrible viruses and worms from your computer is to run Microsoft’s own Malicious Software Removal Tool - it’s not a replacement for anti-virus, but it’s the best way to get rid of some of the worst offenders, like the current Conficker worm.

To down load the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool click here.

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Tags: anti-virus, Conficker, lifehacker, microsoft, virus

This entry was posted on Monday, March 30th, 2009 at 5:28 pm and is filed under Computers / Internet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.