New Computer Virus affecting 9 Million Computers

43 replies
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.
#affecting #computer #computer virus #computers #conficker virus #downadup computer virus #million #virus
  • Profile picture of the author Desmond Ong
    oh crap. I am changing to mac
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  • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
    Originally Posted by bob_sikorski View Post

    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?
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  • Profile picture of the author 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".
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    ~Mint Tree~

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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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."
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mo Goulet
    Charles and Josh,

    What anti-virus programs are you using?
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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      • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
        Originally Posted by Charles E. White View Post

        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.
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        • Profile picture of the author Matt Fulger
          Originally Posted by Charles E. White View Post

          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 View Post

          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 View Post

          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.
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  • Profile picture of the author SlickSki
    Hi, Strange I haven't heard anything about this. Does it only infect if you click on something?
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author JECKELLL
    As an antivirus, Nod32 is impressive, keeps the crap out and it is not resource hungry, it is also cheap.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul1234
    I have no use for autorun, so I always disable it on all drives (which incidently also prevents infection by this virus).
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    • Profile picture of the author KathyK
      Originally Posted by Paul1234 View Post

      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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sean Hoffman
    There is also a nice bug going around with macs. Quick everyone switch to linux!

    Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu

    Tuxfam Cares.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author 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).
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    • Profile picture of the author 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 View Post

      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).
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    • Profile picture of the author 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?
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      • Profile picture of the author Charles E. White
        Originally Posted by braver55b View Post

        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.
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  • Profile picture of the author th0m453
    thxs for the heads up just bought this computer with windows vista
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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      • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author Charles E. White
      Chris, my pleasure, if it just helps one person from getting a virus, it's worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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 ....
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author etmcl
      Is this just infecting through pop-ups, or through email attachments also?
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    AVG is a nice free program
    Zone Alarm

    Then occasionally clean things with CCleaner and Mawarebytes Anti-Malware.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Corena
    Do Macs really not get as many viruses?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Fenty
    I heard some anti virus companies develop viruses to create a demand for there software
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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  • Profile picture of the author Philip John
    Yet another windows crisis in a long line of problems... the case for using Linux is becoming stronger and stronger!
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    Firefox is much much better than IE for protecting yourself.

    I won't even open IE anymore.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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?
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt Fulger
      Originally Posted by ronk View Post

      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!
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