Conficker Worm or Doomsday Virus Has Computer Users in a Tizzy; Experts Not so Worried

The latest computer virus scare has computer users in a tizzy, sending them hurriedly rushing to anti-virus websites in preparation for battle. I include myself in that dizzy, worrying horde.

The computer virus, called the Conficker Worm, has been infecting Windows-based computers (Mac and Linux systems are safe) across the globe. Though the virus has been around for quite a while terrorizing computer experts, supposedly, it will receive "new instructions," naturally, on April 1st.

Having only recently done battle with a particularly nasty virus that masquerades as the Anti-Virus 360 program, I feel that same tension rising, especially after reading about just how tricky the Conficker virus really is.

The trouble with Conficker is that there aren't really any warnings indicating that your computer has been infected. Up to the Minute Computer Consultant John Quain told CBS News that those who have been infected don't experience a slow computer or pop-up virus warnings from anti-virus software. This isn't because the anti-virus is failing, but because the virus can stop your computer's anti-virus updates. If your anti-virus software's "automatic updates" have been turned off, you may be infected.

Another way to tell if you're infected is to check your web browser. The worm has the ability to block certain websites that could be your saving grace, such as Microsoft.com, Symantec.com and McAfee.com. If you can't get on these websites, it's likely you've been infected. If you are a Vista user, you won't be able to access the Defender program.

If you are infected, Quain urges users not to despair. The easiest thing to do is to visit a Microsoft-run website to run a scan with free malware remover. One such website is www.OneCare.Live.com. Quain also suggests shutting off the "Autoplay" function. "Autoplay" occurs when a program automatically starts and installs on your computer when you put in a disc. Turning it off will stop the spread of the virus. He also encourages taking advantage of virus protection software for further precaution.

Though everyone should definitely prepare for the virus, according to experts, they don't think April 1st will bring about Doomsday for computer users. According to Eric Larkin at PC World, a lot of the April Fool's Day threat is just speculation, much like the greatly hyped Y2K phenomenon. Security researcher at SecureWorks Joe Stewart says that there won't be an outbreak on the 1st, but most likely, the worm will start using a new trick that will allow it to better evade defenses.

If you are already infected with Conficker, it will try to update itself on the 1st and could do some damage, but Stewart believes that this is unlikely. But for those paranoid users like myself, Stewart provided some alternate links for virus removal.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

F-Secure removal utility

McAfee's removal tool

While I understand that the April Fool's Day Conficker update may just be hype, I'm not going to take any chances.

Eric Larkin, April Fool's Conficker Threat is Likely Hype, PC World

The Conficker Worm, CBS News