What Is Conficker,How To Protect System From Conficker( Credits Microsofts)

Conficker, also known as Downup, Downadup and Kido, is a computer worm targeting the Microsoft Windows operating system that was first detected in November 2008.It uses flaws in Windows software and dictionary attacks on administrator passwords to propagate while forming a botnet. Conficker has since spread rapidly into what is now believed to be the largest computer worm infection since the 2003 SQL Slammer,with more than seven million government, business and home computers in over 200 countries now under its control.But now again its under news and its also listen that Conficker has again created a huge army of more than 12 million computers which have been infected by this Worm.

Lets cut the chat here about what is Conficker as it not important the main this on which this article is based i.e How to protect your system from Conficker and after feeling this to be serious search a way to which really going to help the victim which is under control of Conficker.

Is my computer infected with the Conficker worm?

Probably not. Microsoft released a security update in October 2008 (MS08-067) to protect against Conficker.

If your computer is up-to-date with the latest security updates and your antivirus software is also up-to-date, you probably don't have the Conficker worm.

If you are still worried about Conficker, follow these steps:

Go to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate to verify your settings and check for updates.

If you can't access http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate, go to http://safety.live.com and scan your system.

If you can't go to http://safety.live.com, contact support at 1-866-PCSafety or 1-866-727-2338. This phone number is for virus and other security-related support. 

What does the Conficker worm do?

To date, security researchers have discovered the following variants of the worm in the wild.

Win32/Conficker.A was reported to Microsoft on November 21, 2008.

Win32/Conficker.B was reported to Microsoft on December 29, 2008.

Win32/Conficker.C was reported to Microsoft on February 20, 2009.

Win32/Conficker.D was reported to Microsoft on March 4, 2009.

Win32/Conficker.E was reported to Microsoft on April 8, 2009.

Win32/Conficker.B might spread through file sharing and via removable drives, such as USB drives (also known as thumb drives). The worm adds a file to the removable drive so that when the drive is used, the AutoPlay dialog box will show one additional option.

The Conficker worm can also disable important services on your computer.

In the screenshot of the Autoplay dialog box below, the option Open folder to view files — Publisher not specified was added by the worm. The highlighted option — Open folder to view files — using Windows Explorer is the option that Windows provides and the option you should use.

If you select the first option, the worm executes and can begin to spread itself to other computers.

How does the Conficker worm work?

How do I remove the Conficker worm?

If your computer is infected with the Conficker worm, you may be unable to download certain virus protection security products, such as the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool or you may be unable to access certain websites, such as Microsoft Update. If you can't access those tools, try using the Microsoft Safety Scanner for virus removal.

Note:All content and credits goes to Microsoft's official website ,I'm sharing this just to share that with mine viewers .Technocage is not taking any credit for this article its property of Mircosoft's official website