This is a very dangerous worm and it has been released to destroy your PC,starting on April 1st, and it is not a joke. Microsoft is offering 250k to bring the culprits to justice... Computer early birds can catch this worm Conficker? What on earth is that? Well, it's a malicious computer program or "worm" that is believed to have infected between 9 million and 12 million personal computers (PCs) worldwide, and if it turns out to be as destructive as many security researchers fear, you will be hearing a lot more about it. (See today's local story about how organizations here are dealing with it and read today's Tech page for helpful information.) Here's what it is in plain terms: Conficker is a potentially damaging program that is spread from computer to computer via the Internet. It can disable Windows system services such as Windows Security Center, Windows Automatic Update and more. It then can receive instructions to spread further, gather personal information or download and install other destructive programs. Its creator is probably extremely intelligent. Conficker is designed to spread a new wave of computer mayhem beginning on Wednesday, which happens to be April 1, but this is no April Fools' Day joke. In fact Microsoft Corp., which authored the Windows computer operating systems the worm attacks, has offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to apprehension of the person or persons responsible for unleashing Conficker on the world. You may think that because you don't use a computer much or at all that you don't have anything to be concerned about or that it doesn't really matter. But think about how much information exists about you in all kinds of computers. Technology specialists for businesses, government entities, hospitals and more that employ large numbers of computers in large networks -- and who are responsible for your personal, financial and health information -- believe there is reason to be particularly concerned. No one knows at this point what Conficker's creator has in mind in attempting to commandeer thousands or even millions of computers that can be controlled, operated or damaged at will. Those with the greatest knowledge of the program say the primary target of the worm isn't small numbers of personal home computers but rather large networks of business or government computers, and most of the infected computers are outside the United States. The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defencecq has acknowledged that some of its systems were infected, and computers used by Houston Municipal Courts were found to have Conficker. The good news is that there are security updates and "patches" available that can protect computers and disable the worm if a computer already is infected. They are readily available and easy to use. Refer to the stories in today's paper or search for Conficker using Google, Yahoo or other Internet search engine. Unfortunately, in an age dominated by computers and information technology, you have to be on guard against hackers, identity thieves, viruses and worms, even if you're not computer savvy. If you have concerns about the safety of information about you, inquire with the businesses or agencies you deal with about their computer security. Most of them are capable and up to date and take extreme care with important data. On a side note, keep in mind that your print edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette is refreshingly worm- and virus-free. Never had 'em, never will. starting on April 1st, and it is not a joke. Microsoft is offering 250k to bring the culprits to justice...
fuck....i'm not going on the internet........wait......maybe i'm effected?!! is that why my wireless is not working?!!!!!!!!! ahh!!NOOO!!!! ><;' Norton Internet Security you better help me out .................
not too worried... my computer has been on for like 3 months nonstop and i haven't had any issues with viruses at all. just gotta be smart about how you use the internet.
Oh nose! It'z reel man! I saw it on the interweb so it must be troo! It's srs busyness man! Quick! Unplug your puter! MEOW!!!! *Runs around and panics*
Let's all embrace each other and pray to God (if you're atheist, just embrace each other) that PA would still be with us after April 1st...
what if most of us have it n we don't even know it.. i think one symptom is not being able to go to microsoft website.. i dunno.. how the hell did this just sneak up on us?
