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    Is the conficker worm real or a april fools joke?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by calintz333, Mar 31, 2009.

  1. calintz333

    calintz333 Notebook Geek

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    Well its poping up on the news almost daily now said that april first it will kill a bunch of windows pcs.

    Is this a joke or real.

    If its real do any of you know where I can get the removal tools or a anti virus to prevent it.

    Also it said if you have all the windows updates you are safe, does that mean that if you have all of the "recommended" updates you are safe...or does that mean if you have all of the "optional" updates you are safe?
     
    calintz333, Mar 31, 2009
    #1
  2. Jakpro

    Jakpro Notebook Evangelist

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    It is for real.

    You need the recommended security updates. Security updates are not optional. You should already do this anyway.

    You need one of the good anti-virus programs updated and current and an anti-malware program updated and current. You should already do this anyway.

    You need to exercise common sense and good judgment in your internet excursions and when using email. Don't go to suspect websites or open stuff that you are not sure are safe. You should already do this anyway.
     
    Jakpro, Mar 31, 2009
    #2
  3. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    Conficker is real. It's already out there but a rumor is going around saying that the botnet formed by Conficker will attempt to connect to a remote "master" machine April 1st.

    See this simple to understand Q&A: http://www.computerworld.com/action...leBasic&articleId=9130778&intsrc=news_ts_head

    As long as you have installed your Windows Updates (which you should have set to download and install automatically in the background ;)), have up to date Antivirus/Antispyware tools on the computer, and have a firewall enabled you should be fine.

    Microsoft made the patch for the hole that Conficker exploits a rare "Out of Band" patch (a patch released outside of MS's normal Windows Update release schedule which is the 2nd Tuesday of each month) because it was so important that the hole be filled. This patch was released in October: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9125737
     
    booboo12, Mar 31, 2009
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  4. Tinselworm

    Tinselworm Notebook Deity

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    Tinselworm, Mar 31, 2009
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  5. calintz333

    calintz333 Notebook Geek

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    Well my anti virus is Avira Free so... yeah lol I do have my system fully updatted at least.
     
    calintz333, Mar 31, 2009
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  6. calintz333

    calintz333 Notebook Geek

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    Des anyone have the link for the windows xp version of the patch?
     
    calintz333, Mar 31, 2009
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  7. EnterKnight

    EnterKnight Notebook Evangelist

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    The threat is definitely real.
    Also the most ingenious and widespread piece of malware in history - incorporating technology such as p2p.
    It mostly affects third-world computers because Internet connections are shabby and people don't update, also illegal installs of Windows since they do not receive updates.

    The virus will 'call home' tomorrow. We'll see what happens.
     
    EnterKnight, Mar 31, 2009
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  8. Jakpro

    Jakpro Notebook Evangelist

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    Jakpro, Mar 31, 2009
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  9. calintz333

    calintz333 Notebook Geek

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    calintz333, Mar 31, 2009
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  10. entropy.cz

    entropy.cz Notebook Evangelist

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    entropy.cz, Mar 31, 2009
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  11. ATG

    ATG 2x4 Super Moderator

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    ATG, Mar 31, 2009
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