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Windows worm numbers 'skyrocket'
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by Amitjha | January 19, 2009 at 03:33 am
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Malicious program, to infect computer is killing millions of computers.In this tough times when consumers across the world is facing hard times this kind of entry by virus is really troublesome.As per latest figures approx 9 million computers are already infected.
Infections of a worm that spreads through low security networks, memory sticks, and PCs without the latest security updates is "skyrocketing".
The malicious program, known as Conficker, Downadup, or Kido was first discovered in October 2008.
Anti-virus firm F-Secure estimates there are now 8.9m machines infected.
Experts warn this figure could be far higher and say users should have up-to-date anti-virus software and install Microsoft's MS08-067 patch.
In its security blog, F-Secure said that the number of infections based on its calculations was "skyrocketing" and that the situation was "getting worse".
Speaking to the BBC, Graham Culley, senior technology consultant with anti-virus firm Sophos, said the outbreak was of a scale they had not seen for some time.
"Microsoft did a good job of updating people's home computers, but the virus continues to infect business who have ignored the patch update.
"A shortage of IT staff during the holiday break didn't help and rolling out a patch over a large number of computers isn't easy.
"What's more, if your users are using weak passwords - 12345, QWERTY, etc - then the virus can crack them in short order," he added.
"But as the virus can be spread with USB memory sticks, even having the Windows patch won't keep you safe. You need anti-virus software for that."
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Conficker (not verified)at 21:00 on April 12th, 2009
This alarming problem threatens our computers and our confidential files. The growing number of the viruses that aims to infect the computers without any permission to the owner can add to the burdens of many people. In addition, it can also affect the business industry, which relies to the advantages brought by having a computer. The Conficker worm has infected thousands of computers and it's expected to infect thousands more. Conficker Worm is a worm that locks users out of system directories, and blocks your access to security websites and applications, such as Windows Automatic Update Service, Windows Security Center Service, Windows Defender Service (WinDefend), Windows Vista TCP/IP auto-tuning, and more. To further hide its presence in your computer, Conficker Worm deletes any System Restore points you’ve created.