Conficker / Downadup WORM: Hits 9.5million computers and counting 0
Its believed that the worm “Conficker” also known as “Downadup” or “Kido” has infected around 9.5 million the world according to F-Secure’s chief research officer, Mikko Hypponen (src:BBC NEWS)
The worm’s payload is believed not to have been activated but if it is the person / group responsible for this would have full control over you computer with Administrator rights.
Microsoft’s Overview description of the vulnerability:
“A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your Microsoft Windows-based system and gain control over it.“
If you have:
Windows 2000 SP4 then go here:Microsoft Security Update for Windows 2000 (KB958644)
Windows XP SP2 or SP3 then go here:Microsoft Security Update for Windows XP (KB958644)
Windows 2003 Server in any flavour then go here:Microsoft Security Update for Windows Server 2003 (KB958644)
Windows Vista / Vista SP1 then go here:Microsoft Security Update for Windows Vista (KB958644)
And finally if you are using the lovely Windows 7 Beta the go here:Microsoft Security Update for Windows 7 Pre-Beta (KB958644)
…download the patch and install (Will require a reboot)
Also remember that you will need to make sure your Anti-virus is up to date.
Some other things you can do to protect yourself are:
- Block all incoming and outgoing traffic on port 445 on computers connected to the net
- Disconnect it from any local area network as the worm can infect via Windows file shares
- Scan all you hard disks and removable media (USB flash drives, Memory cards etc)
- Make sure your family and friends are aware of this threat and that they patch their computers and update their antivirus
Be vigilant, make sure you are patched and updated and you should be safe from this threat.
Right I’m off for a cup of rubbish tea from the vending machine. 