Vendors offer tips and tools to deal with Conflickr

CHENNAI, INDIA: The Downadup virus, also known as Conficker or Kido has infected 200 million PCs worldwide.

A major worldwide update to the worm is anticipated from April 1.

Since January 2009, the Downadup virus, also known as Conficker or Kido has infected an estimated 200 million PCs worldwide. In India alone it is estimated that around 12 million PCs are infected.

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.

Chennai-based anti-virus software company K7 Computing provides a free removal tool for all PC users, from www.checkfick.com.

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.”