Subject: Resurgence of the Conficker virus
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:41:51 -0400

The the conficker virus rears its ugly head again.  Having a completely up to date anti-virus installation by itself is NOT sufficient against this virus.  There is a Microsoft vulnerability that this virus can exploit EVEN IF your anti-virus software is up to date.
 
You can get Microsoft patches at:  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
 
From the internet:
 
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 many security services, blocks access to a number of security web sites and opens infected machines to receive additional programs from the malware’s creator. The worm then tries to spread itself to other computers on the same network.
 

Advice to Stay Safe from the Conficker/Downadup Worm:

  1. Run a good security suite.
  2. Keep your computer updated with the latest patches. If you don’t know how to do this, have someone help you set your system to update itself.
  3. Don’t use “free” 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 “full” service. In many cases these are actually infecting you while they run. There is reason to believe that the creators of the Conficker worm are associated with some of these fake security products.
  4. Turn off the “autorun” feature that will automatically run programs found on memory sticks and other USB devices.
 
 
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