Who's got the bug???

[Flashermac]

A message just popped up saying the Conficker virus was detected. I have two pages open - Thai360 and the Bangkok Post. So who's got the bug - Thai360, the Post or the server???

 

 

 

 

[dddave]

Could be one of those sites that tells you you have a virus, then tries to sell you an "Anti-Virus" program to fix it; sometimes VERY hard to get rid off.

Do a virus and adware scan.

[Flashermac]

I'd like to strangle somebody at the sites that offer a "free online virus scan" - only when you download their crap, they tell you - "Buy our program and we'll clean the virus for you." Free means FREE!!!

 

 

 

[Lusty]

This is what Norton has to say.

The Conficker Worm

 

Target: All users of Windows XP and Windows Vista.

 

A new worm called Conficker, sometimes referred to as Downadup, has generated a lot of interest. Current users of Symantecâ??s Norton security products are protected. Users who lack protection are invited to download a trial version of Norton AntiVirus 2009, Norton Internet Security 2009 or Norton 360. All of these products will detect and remove this worm.

 

What does the Conficker worm do?

The Conficker worm mostly spreads across networks. If it finds a vulnerable computer, it turns off the automatic backup service, deletes previous restore points, disables some security services, blocks access to a number of security web sites and opens infected machines to receive additional programs from the malwareâ??s creator. The worm then tries to spread itself to other computers on the same network.

 

How does the worm infect a computer?

The worm tries to take advantage of a problem with Windows (a vulnerability) called MS08-067 to quietly install itself. Users who automatically receive updates from Microsoft are already protected from this. The worm also tries to spread by copying itself into shared folders on networks and by infecting USB devices such as memory sticks.

 

Who is at risk?

Users whoâ??s computers are not configured to receive patches and updates from Microsoft and who are not running an up to date antivirus product.

 

What to do if you are infected

Detailed removal instructions are available here: http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2008-112203-2408-99&tabid=3

 

Advice to Stay Safe from the Conficker Worm:

 

1. Run a good security suite.

2. Keep your computer updated with the latest patches. If you donâ??t know how to do this, have someone help you set your system to update itself.

3. Donâ??t use â??freeâ? security scans that pop up on many web sites. All too often these are fake, using scare tactics to try to get you to purchase their â??fullâ? service. In many cases these are actually infecting you while they run.

4. Turn off the â??autorunâ? feature that will automatically run programs found on memory sticks and other USB devices.

5. Be smart with your passwords. This includes

 

1. Change your passwords periodically

2. Use complex passwords â?? no simple names or words, use special characters and numbers

3. Using a separate, longer password for each site that has sensitive personal information or access to your bank accounts or credit cards.

4. Use a passwords management system such as Identity Safe (included in Norton Internet Security and Norton 360) to track your passwords and to fill out forms automatically.

 

6. Run Norton Internet Security, Norton AntiVirus or Norton 360. You can also try Norton Security Scan.

 

 

 

FAQ

Q: Am I safe if I donâ??t go to questionable web sites?

 

A: No. The Conficker worm seeks out computers on the same network. You can be in a coffee shop, an airport or in the office and the worm will quietly try to attach to your computer and run itself.

 

Q: How do I know if I am infected?

 

A: The best way to know if you are infected is to run a good antivirus product. Symptoms that may indicate you are infected include your being blocked from accessing the web sites of most security companies,

 

Q: Canâ??t I just run free antivirus software?

 

A: Yes, but theyâ??re not thorough or comprehensive. While some of the legitimate free antivirus products arenâ??t bad at detecting viruses in files, theyonly provide basic protection, in general they are weak at detecting modern threats such as drive-by-downloads, malicious web sites and intrusion attempts. Worse, the internet is overflowing with fake free security scanners that actually infect your computer. Fake scanners such as â??Antivirus 2008â? are difficult to identify and have plagued hundreds of thousands of users around the world.

 

Norton Recommends

Run Norton Internet Security, Norton AntiVirus or Norton 360. All of these products will detect and remove the Conficker worm.

 

You can also exchange ideas and developments on Conficker and Downadup at the Norton Forums.

 

 

[Faustian]

Flash, this is an evil worm and spreading like wildfire, update everything urgently or say bye bye to your machine.

[allistar]

"Norton 360." A distant cousin of Thai 360?

[cavanami]

...me thinks that Norton and others fabricate these virus to sell more of their products!

[shygye]

It is a internet worm which means you only need be connected to the internet to get infected.

[Dexi]

maybe someone could develop an internet mole that could burrow through cyber space eating the worms....