Tips and tools to combat Conflickr

The Downadup virus, also known as Conficker or Kido has infected 200 million
PCs worldwide. In India alone it is estimated that around 12 million PCs are
infected.A major worldwide update to the worm is anticipated from April 1.

This threat has the magnitude and precision symptomatic of a well-planned
execution. But the motive behind this virus attack is yet to emerge. So the
damage potential of this worm is also yet to be fully assessed. But by all
indications, from April 1, a major update to infected PCs is anticipated, the
results of which are causing uncertainty for users and researchers alike.

The reports from around the globe indicate that this virus blocks access to
security company websites and disables the installed security applications and
even the Windows Security

Center. What this implies to the user is that he is prevented from getting the
updates to clean the infection, and his machine becomes vulnerable to various
kinds of exploits.

K7 Computing is now providing a free Downadup/Conficker removal tool, to all
PC users. Any user connected to the Internet can download this free tool from
www.k7computing.com.

In case the users' PC is infected and he is unable to connect to
www.k7computing.com, he can log into www.checkfick.com and download the same
tool from K7 Computing.

McAfee has also announced a free tool that will help assess multiple
computers for the presence of Conficker. This new tool, termed ConTest, may be
downloaded at no charge at http://www.mcafee.com/us/enterprise/confickertest.html.
The vendor also took steps to allay fears and offer some simple guidelines for
consumers and businesses to ensure they are fully protected.

F-Secure released a media advisory in which it points out its findings about
the virus and has also provided a link where readers can find out more about the
virus (http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/onlineservices/fsec/fsec.shtml).

Andrew Lee, CTO, K7 Computing said, “Although Conficker is hitting the
headlines, it should be remembered that the threat of malware is a constant one,
people should make sure they are properly patching their operating systems and
maintaining updated anti-virus products, otherwise they will be exposed to
malicious software of all types.”