Question:
Do any of you know anything about this computer virus that is suppose to infect our computers on April 1st?
micki
2009-03-27 06:25:25 UTC
I've heard that if you get it chances are it's already in your computer and that it will mess up your computer on April 1st. How would I know if it's already on my computer? Also is there anything I can do to protect myself? Ok sorry if this sounds stupid but what if I disconnect (from internet source) my computer on april 1st?
Eight answers:
2009-03-27 06:31:16 UTC
"Downadup" (or 'Conficker') disables a number of system services, including Windows Automatic Update, Windows Security Center, Windows Defender, and Windows Error Reporting, & dozens of security related connections.

The worm then connects to a malicious server, where it downloads additional malware to install on the infected computer.



Since Downadup uses random extension names to avoid detection, Windows users should make sure their security software is set to scan all files, rather than checking on specific extensions, F-Secure recommends.



The alarmingly high number of Downadup infections led Microsoft last Tuesday to enable its anti-malware utility, Microsoft Software Removal Tool (MSRT), to detect the worm. So it's important that Windows users, if they haven't already, download the latest Microsoft security patch that went out recently.

New variations of the worm now 'phone home' (contact a domain) to receive new instructions from thousands of potential motherships, and so the concern of large scale, web based malicious actions is growing.



Microsoft's MSRT- Malicious Software Removal Tool

boasts it can remove this and other malware.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/families.mspx

Includes: Banload; Conficker (aka "Downadup"); Anti-virus 2009; et al



If you have downloaded & installed the most recent

MSRT from Microsoft (get it today):

Right click the desktop > New> Shortcut; then type in " MSRT " (sans quote), a shortcut will be made directly to run the tool.

This will identify known malware, and corrective action taken, but of course can't do anything about "zero day exploits".



Has full UI; quick scan takes 5 minutes; full scan (advisable) 15+ min.

Gives results of scans, checks e-mail, etc.

Very handy set-up.



For download of the MSRT, go here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx



How it works

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090213/tc_pcworld/withglobaleffortanewtypeofwormisslowed



http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090213/tc_pcworld/confickerwormdrawsacounterattack
K3v0
2009-03-27 06:30:23 UTC
None of that sounds stupid. People are really worried about this. In my opinion, people shouldn't be as worried. Keep scanning your computer 1-2 times a week. Keep making sure your antivirus and anti-malware programs are up to date. If you already have the virus, then you won't be able to update anymore, that's what the virus does. If you have your computer off or disconnected from the internet on April 1, then yes, that would prevent the virus from doing whatever it is going to do on 4-1.
2016-09-28 03:17:04 UTC
we will locate out right now, no person is for specific because of the fact the virus became into programmed to 'telephone living house' on April fool's Day for extra advantageous training, which potential no you are able to truly be sure what's going to ensue whilst the educational are won. it truly is no longer vulnerable to be something of doomsday proportions, yet maximum in all probability gets carry of a gaggle of malware (malicious application) onto your computing device. There are an estimated 14 million computers international who've the virus, so basically wait and notice regrettably.
2009-03-27 06:32:10 UTC
The April Fool’s Virus is already thought to have infected up to 10 million computers.



It's called Conficker.



group of people called the Conficker Cabal have rounded to hunt down the author responsible of the April 1st virus.



“We love catching bad guys,” said Alvin Estevez, CEO of Enigma Software Group, which is one of many companies trying to crack Conficker. “We’re like former hackers who like to catch other hackers. To us, we get almost a feather in our cap to be able to knock out that worm. We slap each other five when we’re killing those infections.”



The April 1st virus is preparing the work to on this date gain control of all infected computers, much like zombies. This could cause web site attacks, use of your Pc for other purposes and collection of personal information via keyloggers.



“The best minds in the industry are working on this to protect customers,” he said. “We’re trying to reduce the impact of the April 1 date as best we can. But we know … this malware will continue to evolve.”



Wow, to be safe avoid downloading software from dubious sources and don’t accept strange invitations on IM or email.
tom_robert_reed
2009-03-27 06:30:52 UTC
disconnecting from the internet is a good idea, because then the signal from the person the sent it won't reach your computer and you can fix the computer when offline if you know any companies that will help. Like geek squad, or something like that.
Steven C
2009-03-27 07:34:32 UTC
I watched on the news last night, and they said Microsoft had put a 1/4 million dollar bounty on the head of the creators of this worm.
jovan
2009-03-27 06:40:17 UTC
My laptop has a little problem i never new there were an actual virus going around though.
2009-03-27 06:28:56 UTC
it has been around since 2008

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/128643/beware-conficker-worm-come-april-1/;_ylt=AsXdwbUK2ymg6xpgo7NYfZ0azJV4


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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