New Computer Virus affecting 9 Million Computers

[Charles E. White]

A new computer virus that may leave Microsoft Windows users open to digital hijacking is spreading through companies in the U.S., Europe and Asia, already infecting close to 9 million machines, according to a private online security firm.

They say this virus has surged through more computers than anything they have seen in years.

The virus's coding suggests a type of bug that alerts computer users to bogus infections on their machines and offers to help by selling them antivirus software.

Instead, the virus is simply spreading to little effect, though it may still pose a threat to infected computers.

"The people behind the worm apparently haven't used it yet, But they could do anything they like with any of these machines at any time."

Microsoft issued a security update Tuesday to deal with the so-called "Downadup" or "Conficker" virus, which appears to be a new version of a bug that popped up in October.

Microsoft said the virus is spreading by gaining access to one computer and then guessing at passwords of other users in the same network: "If the password is weak, it may succeed."

Most computers with Windows will automatically download Microsoft's security update but on affected computers the virus disables updates on infected machines.

[Desmond Ong]

oh crap. I am changing to mac

[GarrieWilson]

Originally Posted by bob_sikorski

Just make sure your anti virus program is up to date, never open attachments and never fall for the old fly-in ad claiming your pc has a virus and here is how to get rid of it.

Did you even read the sticky about sigs?

[Mint-Tree]

OMG. I know someone who had this virus!!!!!!!!

The scary part is:

"The people behind the worm apparently haven't used it yet, But they could do anything they like with any of these machines at any time."

.................................................. .....................................
By the way, it's not just one popup virus dected screen but like 3-4, each selling different "software to fix the problem".

[jsherloc]

That's weird you mention this. A few days ago I was browsing some websites and had this error pop up all of a sudden. I could tell right away it was shady too. The following day it happened again, both from seemingly reputable sites. The weird thing is that I asked a friend to browse the same page and they didn't seem to have any problems.

Weird.


-Jim

[OmarNegron]

O man!

I think I got one of those fack update things before. Thankfully I didn't click it.

I knew something was fishy....lol

[Josh Anderson]

I have not had a virus since Outlook express and norton worked so well to funnel them into my computer back in 2002.

I learned my lesson back then and developed good habits and those along with good antivirus software, anti spyware, and registry change monitoring along with my router firewall have been enough to keep me protected.

However, I have been doing a few house calls for elderly members of my church locally and the most common problem I find is not just one but multiple instances of fake anti spyware and fake antivirus applications installed.

People are very susceptible to this kind of attack because the initial response to a "warning" popup is to say "yes I want to be protected."

[Charles E. White]

Josh, I have all the things you do, firewall and etc but I got two viruses last week. My anti-virus program caught them but I still got them some way or another. First viruses I got in years luckily they were stopped before they did any damage.

[Mo Goulet]

Charles and Josh,

What anti-virus programs are you using?

[SlickSki]

Hi, Strange I haven't heard anything about this. Does it only infect if you click on something?

[Charles E. White]

Mo, I am using AVG now but used Norton and McAfee for years. I also use Zonealarm and have a firewall built in my modem. I check for spyware with ad-aware even though AVG gives you warnings about such.

If you're using Windows, it always helps to keep it up to date too because a lot of the updates are security features. Another thing is I switched to firefox because Microsoft can't seem to get Explorer secure and they know it but don't know what to do to fix it apparently. Explorer has had a flaw since October that they know about but still no fix.

My suggestion is to use two anti-virus programs and make sure you keep them up-to-date.

[howudoin]

Thanks For the Heads Up.....I haven't got any Popup yet and I'm Using KasperSky Version 7 which offers an antivirus, firewaall and Net protection all in one pack.

Bhupinder

[JECKELLL]

As an antivirus, Nod32 is impressive, keeps the crap out and it is not resource hungry, it is also cheap.

[Paul1234]

I have no use for autorun, so I always disable it on all drives (which incidently also prevents infection by this virus).

[Sean Hoffman]

There is also a nice bug going around with macs. Quick everyone switch to linux!

Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu

Tuxfam Cares.

[Louis Raven]

I was recently infected with that very virus.

Had to wipe my whole computer (not keep anything) and create 84 new passwords at over 18 character each lol.

Resulted in me having to purchase another copy of PhotoShop and Camtasia .

I was using AVG and it didn't detect it. Word of advice.. if your computer automatically turns of (not sure if windows does this or the virus?) either way leave it OFF and get consultation before switching back on.

Louis

[Josh Anderson]

Charles and Josh,

What anti-virus programs are you using?

Currently Nod32, Spybot Search and Destroy, Tea Timer (registry change protection).

But the best thing you can do to protect your self is have good internet habits.

I am not immune from attack but since 2002 I have stopped every one without a single infection (knock on wood).

[ebiz96]

Totally agree with Josh.

I have Spybot Search & Destroy installed and it warns me should there be any change in registry.


Ash

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Currently Nod32, Spybot Search and Destroy, Tea Timer (registry change protection).

But the best thing you can do to protect your self is have good internet habits.

I am not immune from attack but since 2002 I have stopped every one without a single infection (knock on wood).

[braver55b]

Things like this make a compelling case for making the switch to mac as it was just a few weeks ago that internet explorer had a security breach that affected computers worldwide and Microsoft issued a fix for it in record time and NOW this?

[Charles E. White]

Originally Posted by braver55b

Things like this make a compelling case for making the switch to mac as it was just a few weeks ago that internet explorer had a security breach that affected computers worldwide and Microsoft issued a fix for it in record time and NOW this?

Actually, there has been a breach in IE since last October and still no fix the last I heard but they were expecting one soon.

[th0m453]

thxs for the heads up just bought this computer with windows vista

[edlewis]

My brother called me today saying his laptop was having problems.

The problems he is having are exactly like those Charles mentioned in his original post. I'm heading over there later to try and fix it.

Gonna try running SDFix, which has worked for me in the past on other issues like this.

[Jeff Lawrence]

What is the best antivirus protection and is thier anything else needed bside antivirus softwear.


Thanks look forward to hearing back on this.

[skydivedad]

Thanks Charles
Man oh Man. That sucker almost got me. I had 4 pop-ups flashing at me. I didn't click a thing but launched task mgr and immediately shut down the browser and ran a scan. Tricky stuff and a vicious virus. Thanks for the heads up earlier today Thankfully I wasn't unprepared. Note to self. Don't click on any part of these pop-ups.
Paul

[Charles E. White]

You're very welcome Paul!

Jeff, a firewall is usually a good thing to have, most cable modems have one built in but I still use Zonealarm, also a spyware program (I use ad-aware) is good plus of course, your anti-virus program.

[BinaryFellow]

When things like this happen, it makes you feel good you switched to ubuntu - fun computing without the paranoia. I'll never go back to m$ winblows.

[StokesM]

Charles,

Thanks for the update on this. As for someone who just lost 70% of the data on their hard drive (I know, should have backed up my files - but procrastinated).

I call mistakes like this "paying tutition". Anyway, really appreciate the information.

Thanks
Chris

[Charles E. White]

Chris, my pleasure, if it just helps one person from getting a virus, it's worth it.

[Mint-Tree]

Oh... when you backup your LATEST data, remember these 3 as well:

1. FTP Programs - which had a lot of your domains (I didn't back up now I have like 3-4 open up now... Forgot about the other =).

2. Your Firefox Bookmarks and extension (check FEBE plugin for backup).

3. Also back up your Gmail Manager firefox plugin too.. if you have a lot of Gmail accounts (or use Roboform--I have this but overloaded with hundreds of passcode/identies/accounts ....

[Writing Pete]

Crap - I'd hate to see what happens when they do decide to use this virus they're infecting everyone with. Hopefully people will be able to detect and quarantine it with a real anti-virus program.

[etmcl]

Is this just infecting through pop-ups, or through email attachments also?

[Michael in CT]

AVG is a nice free program
Zone Alarm

Then occasionally clean things with CCleaner and Mawarebytes Anti-Malware.

[Spike SpiegelIM]

I have to agree with having a good internet habit. Definitely saved me a lot of trouble, and of course a good AV and spyware blocker, I am virus free for years, and I hope it stays that way. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Corena]

Do Macs really not get as many viruses?

[Jason Fenty]

I heard some anti virus companies develop viruses to create a demand for there software

[Floyd Fisher]

Originally Posted by Charles E. White

My suggestion is to use two anti-virus programs and make sure you keep them up-to-date.

Running two antivirus proggys is not recommended. They will turn on each other, and bork your pc.

[Raydal]

Had a similar virus on the kids computer. Instead of fighting it I
just used Getdataback software and used the hard drive as
a second drive and copied all the data I needed recovered
then just did a reinstall of the operating system.

This is is nice worked around I find. Saved a lot of time.

-Ray Edwards

[KathyK]

Originally Posted by Paul1234

I have no use for autorun, so I always disable it on all drives (which incidently also prevents infection by this virus).

That's nice to hear, since I do the same thing.

Also running Kaspersky and a couple of adware/spyware progs... and I never click on warning popups... though I did see one on a website I accessed a few weeks ago. I immediately hit the backspace key...

P.S. - It was on clickbank. One of the 'see the sales page' links.

[Matt Fulger]

Originally Posted by Charles E. White

My suggestion is to use two anti-virus programs and make sure you keep them up-to-date.

Well, I was basically going to say the same thing Floyd already said...

Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

Running two antivirus proggys is not recommended. They will turn on each other, and bork your pc.

It's really not a good idea to run more than ONE Anti-Virus program. It's possible to have a couple installed at the same time, but one needs to be disabled while the other is running and even then, you can run into problems.

Originally Posted by AnarchyAds

Most computers with Windows will automatically download Microsoft's security update but on affected computers the virus disables updates on infected machines.


Anybody know where I can get the virus? Those updates are a pain in the a55.

ROFLMAO

Yeah, those updates are a pain. Sometimes the updates cause problems with other software too. Man, I hate it when that happens.

[PhilMo]

Yet another windows crisis in a long line of problems… the case for using Linux is becoming stronger and stronger!

[stiggs]

Does Firefox give you anymore protection against viruses than other browsers?

[Michael in CT]

Firefox is much much better than IE for protecting yourself.

I won't even open IE anymore.

[ronk]

With all this talk about viruses I feel the need for more protection.
Heard about this AVG before.Can it be that good and be free as well?

[Matt Fulger]

Originally Posted by ronk

With all this talk about viruses I feel the need for more protection.
Heard about this AVG before.Can it be that good and be free as well?

Yes, it really can be free and it definitely does help protect your system. However, I've recently switched from AVG to Avira Antivirus. You can get it for free too at: Free antivirus - Avira AntiVir

The only reason I switched is because AVG seems to hog too many resources on my system. Whereas Avira doesn't even slow me down and seems to catch more stuff anyway. For example, just yesterday I was searching for some free scripts on google, when I clicked on one of the links it froze my PC and tried to load it up with some trojans. Avira stopped them dead in their tracks and allowed me to deny access to them. I then had to kill the browser and restart it as it kept trying to load junk onto my PC and Avira kept blocking it, as a result I couldn't do anything aside from killing opera.exe in task manager.

I also use Spybot S& D with the TeaTimer protection, which I highly recommend. The TeaTimer allows you to block things from loading during startup and allows you to monitor registry changes and allow or deny them at your option. I love this program for that because I have found that tons of software by default tries to put itself in your startup without your knowledge.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and BTW, welcome to the Warrior Forum!