Computer worm spreading like wildfire- are you protected?
Filed under: Technology
Are you a Windows Vista, XP or Windows Server 2003 user that has lost patience with updating your system every time Microsoft tells you to? Then pay attention; you might be vulnerable to the Downadup worm, which is spreading like wildfire among unprotected PCs. According to Computerworld, 9 million computers have been infected in the last two weeks alone.
The worm exploits a vulnerability in Windows that was recognized by Microsoft in October of 2008. The company issued an update at that time to address this problem, but apparently millions of users didn't get the message, or chose to ignore it.
The worm allows the infected computer to be hijacked and used in nefarious ways such harvesting personal info or contributing to denial of service attacks.
Symantec, the company behind Norton Anti-virus, deems this "one of the most prolific worms we've seen in years", which has "an extremely large infection base that could do a lot of damage." To safeguard yourself, make sure you've installed the update, and run Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-19-2009 @ 7:09AM
ldeffinbaugh said...
So what is the name of this worm?
Reply
1-21-2009 @ 12:31AM
lusily said...
www.europehandbag.com
We provide near 20 famous brands handbags,i.e.Balenciaga,Chanel,Chloe,Coach,D&G,Fendi,Gucci,Hermes,Louis Vuitton Replica Handbags,Miu Miu,Prada replica handbags of AAA quality bags. We aretrusted because of our explicit attention to detail and attentive customer support,We specialize in wholesale replica handbags
Reply
1-21-2009 @ 3:59AM
ll said...
Replica Louis Vuitton 2008 Collection Handbags are recognized by customers worldwide. The following styles and colors you can find in our store. Each Louis Vuitton 2008 Collection Fake Handbag is made of highest quality materials. We believe that no matter what you're looking for in Our Replica Handbags, this line will exceed your expectations.
http://www.europehandbag.com
Reply
1-27-2009 @ 6:48PM
PhilB said...
After downadup infects your computer, you can no longer download updates from Microsoft and most antivirus software vendors. One thing the virus does is block requests from you computer to these web sites. Alternative downloads can be found at http://www.downadup.com, along with tools for disabling AutoPlay, and repairing the registry.
Reply