What is the Conficker worm virus?

The Conficker worm has managed to infect a large number of computers. It is estimated that millions of computers have been infected with this threat since January 09. Current users of leading anti-virus products are already protected. However, users who lack protection are at risk or may already be infected..

What is the Conficker worm?

The Conficker worm has created secure infrastructure for cybercrime. The worm allows its creators to remotely install software on infected machines that may allow criminals to send SPAM, steal IDs and direct users to online scams and phishing sites.

The Conficker worm mostly spreads by finding a vulnerable computer with out-of-date or no anti-virus protection, it turns off the automatic backup service, deletes previous restore points, disables many security services, blocks access to a number of security web sites and opens infected machines to receive additional programs. The worm then tries to spread itself to other computers.

How does the worm infect a computer?

The Conficker worm tries to take advantage of a problem with Windows to quietly install itself. Users who automatically receive updates from Microsoft are already protected from this. The worm also tries to spread by infecting USB devices such as memory sticks.

Who is at risk?

Users whose computers are not configured to receive Windows updates from Microsoft and who are not running an up to date antivirus product are most at risk.

What to do if you are infected

If you have a computer that you think is infected, you will need to use an uninfected computer to download a specialized Conficker removal tool from a leading anti-virus suppliers website. To assist you in this activity, detailed below are a few companies websites that you can visit that will help you remove the Conficker Worm.

For further information visit the Symantec website or the McAfee website.

Please note that it is strongly advised that you protect your computer by purchasing and installing anti-virus software. This should be done once the Conficker worm has been successfully removed. Click here to view our full range of anti-virus software.