Conficker Virus
How to prevent it, identify it, and remove it.
The easiest way to prevent the Conficker virus is to make sure your Windows computer is patched (updated). The patch for this particular virus can be downloaded and applied from
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-067.mspx
Also make sure you are updated with the latest virus definitions. If you use Sophos, Right-click on the blue shield in the lower left corner of your screen and select Update Now.
Determine if you have the virus. Home users can apply a simple test for the presence of a
Conficker/Downadup infection on their home computers. The presence
of a Conficker/Downadup infection may be detected if a user is
unable to surf to their security solution website.
* http://www.symantec.com/norton/theme.jsp?themeid=conficker_worm&inid=us_ghp_link_conficker_worm
* http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/worms/conficker.mspx
* http://www.mcafee.com
If a user is unable to reach any of these websites, it may indicate
a Conficker/Downadup infection.
Solution: If you do have the virus, obtain a removal tools from a clean computer and run them on your computer.
Some possible tools are:
http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2009-011316-0247-99
