Coniker Worm: Something to be worried about?

[nacho207]

Is anyone worried about it?

I think I'm fine because I have ESET Nod32 and ran the Windows Malicious Software remover tool, and they didnt find anything.

Does anyone know if they are infected?

I recommend everyone downloads the Windows Malicious Software Remover tool, and if you can't download it, it may mean you are infected. You can also test it if you cannot get to Microsoft.com, that may be a sign as well

You can find Windows Malicious Software remover tool here

If you dont have any third party Anti virus (not Microsoft) I recommend ESET Nod32, its a little on the expensive side, but its defiantly worth it.

[Araris]

I'm not worried about it and I've never used Anti-Virus software on my current OS setup. As long as you only go to sites you trust you really shouldn't be worried. I use to use antivirus but it never found anything so I don't use it.

[CastleDoctrine]

As I understand from what I've read, if you're infected with one of the three variants of the Conflicker worm (C being the most recently detected but it goes by many names) there are several ways to find out.

1. Try to visit security related sites such as Microsoft.com, Symantec.com, Eset.com, Avira.com, or AVG.com (there are many others). If you can view them it's likely that you're clean since the worm blocks access to those sites.
2. Check the status and functionality of Windows services such as Automatic Updates, the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Windows Defender, and Error Reporting Services. If any of those have been mysteriously disabled, or if your account lockout policies have changed without approval, you might be infected.
3. Unusually long loading times, both system and internet, as well as unexplained LAN activity could point to infection as well.

This worm is a botnet forming one so, as always, scan all e-mail attachments (incoming and outgoing) and be wary of odd activity (even from people on your contact list; their PC may have been compromised). It also takes advantage of the Autorun and Autoplay feature in Windows that opens or plays flash drives and CD/DVDs so make sure that your security apps scan on device connect. There are several registry edits that can disable these Auto features but I don't know them offhand.

Other than that, making sure you have a two way firewall and reputable anti-malware software installed (both fully updated), and making certain you have all security related Windows updates is all you can reasonably do.

Let's wait 'til tomorrow and hope that it's just a twisted April Fools joke.

[quote="Araris";p="162560"]I'm not worried about it and I've never used Anti-Virus software on my current OS setup. As long as you only go to sites you trust you really shouldn't be worried. I use to use antivirus but it never found anything so I don't use it.[/quote]
Only going to sites that you trust is a wise policy, but there have been several instances (I can't remember the particulars at the moment) where legit sites have been hacked and malicious code implanted, if only for a day or so. There is also the possibility of malware reaching us thorough e-mail in attachments, embedded graphics, and web links, let alone the continuing cycle of exploits being found in Windows (most of them having to do with a third party remotely taking over your computer).

I've never found viruses on my system either, but my security apps have blocked a few. I update Windows and all my applications weekly, if not daily, and backup my data often. I consider it protecting the investment in time and money that my PC and it's data represents.

Consider minimal protection (bidirectional firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware/adware) as an option. I'm not saying you'll get infected unless you use anti-virus. I just respectfully advise caution.

[Araris]

Danger is my middle name.

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