About the Conficker Worm

Media Hype
First, we would like to address the media hype on the Conficker virus. Although there is widespread media coverage of this one virus, the truth of the matter is that many viruses already have the ability to automatically update themselves using similar and even superior methods. Some viruses are written specifically to harvest confidential information such as bank account information, logins and passwords. The Conficker virus simply received more media coverage than other, and perhaps more serious viruses.

Protection measures are already available
Microsoft has already released a patch for the very same method of spreading that the Conficker virus exploits. This update was released October 14, 2008. Many antivirus companies have also released specific removal tools for Conficker.

The Bottom Line
Computer security, similar to other security measures, is only effective if it is in place before you need it. If your computer is infected with a virus, the built-in security measures could be compromised by the virus itself and leave your computer vulnerable to other forms of attack, or even make it easier for other viruses to infect your computer. Ensuring that your computer is patched with the latest updates and has comprehensive security software is the first step in protecting your computer, or even your entire network.

Getting Serious About Security
Even having the latest updates to your operating system, software, and security applications, your computer still may be infected with viruses. Even the best security software cannot protect against all new and unknown threats. Just as your antivirus is constantly updated, malware producers update their viruses. In these cases, the responsibility is in the hands of the end user.

We strongly recommend against downloading software you do not actually need, especially from random websites. A quick checkup on the website you intend to download from can give you a better idea of whether or not to trust their software. Many websites offering downloads are actually poisoned websites that are unintentionally hosting a virus distribution system. A good rule of thumb is to think before clicking. If you perform online banking, or handle sensitive information on your computer, can you entrust that information to a website in exchange for a new screensaver?

The More Common Infection Entry Points
Using pirated software and software pirating tools is not only illegal; it is the easiest way to infect your computer with malware. Many viruses have been spread through peer to peer downloading networks such as Lime Wire, Kazaa and Bit Torrent. Refraining from downloading and participation in these activities greatly enhances your security, as well as your legal responsibility.

Conficker, like many modern viruses, spreads in multiple ways. The primary source of Conficker is the internet, however once a computer is infected, it will spread the virus to other computers via removable hard drive and flash drives. If your computer has been diagnosed with the Conficker worm, please also provide any removable storage you have to us for cleaning. If you are running the removal tools yourself, be sure to check your removable media as well.

Prevention and Removal Tools

Microsoft has released a Prevention Update.
Click here to view the update information.

Sophos has released a Removal Tool.
Click here to download the removal tool.