What is the Conficker Worm?
Conficker (A.K.A. Downandup, Conflicker, Downup, Kido) is a computer worm that first appeared back in November of 2008. The worm "Conficker" exploits a known vulnerability in the Windows Operating System (MS08-067) and propagates through internal networks and thumb drives once the infection has reached the user’s home/office network. In addition, "Conficker" uses brute force methods to break into networked computers. PandaLabs Malware Researchers have observed several increasingly complex revisions of Conficker since it originally appeared in November. The Conficker.C will randomly create 50,000 URLs which are each used as rendezvous points to update the infected machines with new malicious code.
**UPDATE - APRIL 10th 2009 12:00AM GMT +1**
It was wildly speculated in the media that the Conficker payload would activate on April 1st, a date that is hardcoded into Conficker.C. As PandaLabs predicted, this never happened because all of the media visibility is bad for the cyber criminal business.
PandaLabs Malware Research laboratory have identified new activity in the Conficker worm. The worm is now communicating with another well known bot network (Waledac) to download new malicious instructions. This is resulting in MalSpam campaigns aimed at automatic distribution and installation of Rogue Anti-Malware software, which is fake software designed to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
According to Sean-Paul Correll, PandaLabs Threat Researcher, “This most recent Conficker activity validates the fact that cyber criminals aim to monetize their creations.”
How do I stay protected?
- Staying protected from Conficker is easy. Install an antivirus immediately if you haven’t already done so. And if you have antivirus installed on your PC, make sure that it is updated to its latest product version and signature file version. All Panda Security products protect against Conficker and its variants. Click below to receive a 30 percent discount on Panda Internet Security 2010
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- Apply the Microsoft MS08-067 Patch.
- Install Panda USB Vaccine, a free security solution designed to block malware which spreads through USB drives.
If you are a Panda customer, renew your antivirus solution now and you will stay protected against future virus epidemics.
Read full article of Panda Labs here: Conficker 2009.