InfoAnda - Computer experts brace for Conficker worm

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Four dead in Manila bus bombing; investigation starts | 25 January 2011
S.Korea pension fund to invest $300 mln in U.S. property | 24 September 2010
Yanks send pitcher Ivan Nova to Triple-A, promote reliever Pendleton | 5 July 2011

German business confidence posts surprise rise | 25 September 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Computer experts brace for Conficker worm | Technology |

My Profile Top News Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day. Subscribe You are here: Home > News > Technology > Article Home Business & Finance News U.S. Politics International Technology Internet Entertainment Sports Lifestyle Oddly Enough Environment Health Science Special Coverage Video Pictures Your View The Great Debate Blogs Weather Reader Feedback Do More With Reuters RSS Widgets Mobile Podcasts Newsletters Your View Make Reuters My Homepage Partner Services CareerBuilder Affiliate Network Professional Products Support (Customer Zone) Reuters Media Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Computer experts brace for "Conficker" worm Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:17pm EDT Email | Print | Share | Reprints | Single Page [-] Text [+] By Jim Finkle BOSTON (Reuters) - A malicious software program that has infected millions of computers could enter a more menacing phase on Wednesday, from an outright attack to a quiet mutation that would further its spread. Computer security experts who have analyzed the Conficker worm's code say it is designed to begin a new phase on April 1, and while it's unclear whether it will unleash havoc or remain dormant, its stubborn presence is rattling businesses with multimillion-dollar budgets to fight cyber crime. Conficker, believed to reside on 2 million to 12 million computers worldwide, is designed to turn an infected PC into a slave that responds to commands sent from a remote server that controls an army of slave computers known as a botnet. "It can be used to attack as well as to spy. It can destroy files, it can connect to addresses on the Internet and it can forward your e-mail," said Gadi Evron, an expert on botnets who helps governments protect against cyber crime. But like many security experts, he doubts Wednesday will see a big attack. The virus has been powerful enough to attack infected computers for months by exploiting weaknesses in Microsoft's Windows operating system. Evron and several other analysts said Wednesday's change could simply give Conficker enhanced functionality, possibly making it more dangerous. "This is the electronic equivalent of being told there is a major storm that has a 20 percent chance of hitting," said Mark Rasch, an executive at Secure IT Experts who spent 25 years prosecuting computer crimes at the U.S. Department of Justice. "It's not time to hide in the bunker. But it might be prudent to look out the window," he added. In February, Microsoft announced it was offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for creating Conficker, saying the worm constituted a "criminal attack." FEARS OF ID THEFT Botnets are a major worry because they can surreptitiously steal identities, log sensitive corporate information, credit card numbers, online banking passwords or other key data users of infected PCs type on their keyboards. The information is often sold to criminal rings. "Most malware we see in this day and age is very concerned with stealing information and making money for the author," said Dave Marcus, a researcher with security-software maker McAfee Inc's Avert Labs. Experts said Conficker's authors might gradually change the way it communicates to avoid attention and to prevent companies from putting in place safeguards such as those used to fight the worm since it first surfaced last year. Microsoft released a patch to protect against the worm late last year, while anti-virus software companies offer software to sniff it out and destroy it. Such tools can be expensive. Continued... View article on single page Share: Del.icio.us Digg Mixx Yahoo! Facebook LinkedIn Next Article: RIM opens software store for BlackBerry also on reuters Video Video: Best month for stocks in six years? RIM ready to launch software store for BlackBerry Blog: Bear market rally or bull market beginning? More Technology News RIM opens software store for BlackBerry Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry Facebook CFO to leave company HP says pondering Google's Android Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire More Technology News... Editor's Choice Slideshow A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow Most Popular on Reuters Articles Video Miss Universe says had "lot of fun" in Guantanamo Potential GM bankruptcy plan includes company split Obama and Medvedev seek new era in U.S.-Russia ties NASA in Colbert conundrum over Space Station Health nominee Sebelius reveals tax errors Computer experts brace for "Conficker" worm Fox News' Bill O'Reilly boycotting Sean Penn films Apples caused failed drunk-driving test? Obama in demand as G20 seeks answer to crisis | Video U.S. unveils Orion spacecraft to take crew to Mars Most Popular Articles RSS Feed Video Tension on the Korean Peninsula Loincloths hot among Japan woman London prepares for G20 Illusionist floats in mid-air Obama starts major foreign trip Beer still recession proof? Pirates attack NATO naval ship Brutal one-two punch of weather Harpoon shot through head Bike with ten-cornered wheels Most Popular Videos RSS Feed Reuters Deals The global destination for corporate leaders, deal-makers and innovators Knowledge to Act Reuters.com: Help and Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Mobile | Newsletters | RSS | Interactive TV | Labs | Archive | Site Index | Video Index Thomson Reuters Corporate: Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Professional Products | Professional Products Support | About Thomson Reuters | Careers International Editions: Africa | Arabic | Argentina | Brazil | Canada | China | France | Germany | India | Italy | Japan | Latin America | Mexico | Russia | Spain | United Kingdom | United States Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Iran, in gesture to U.S., promises help on drugs | International |
Netanyahu names government, offers Palestinians peace | International |
Children traumatized by Mexico drug war killings | International |
300 African migrants feared drowned off Libya | International |
Venezuela opposition leader in hiding | International |
Israeli warplanes bombed Sudan convoy: report | International |
Pope orders probe of scandal-plagued religious order | International |
Facebook CFO to leave company | Technology |
Tech spending may fall more in '09 than post-dotcom | Technology |
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption | Entertainment |
Global box office hits record $28.1 billion in '08 | Entertainment |
Bolt, Simpsons top Genesis Awards | Entertainment |
Thai PM threatens action against protests
North Korea missile consistent with satellite: U.S. | International |
Israel's Netanyahu vows to seek peace with Arabs
More than 200 feared dead in migrant shipwreck off Libya
US-TECH Summary
Global recession pushing millions into poverty
French workers hold managers at Caterpillar
Israel parliament approves Netanyahu govt
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
Khodorkovsky wants Putin testimony at trial
E-books open new chapter for LCD makers
New Israeli foreign minister, in his own words
US home prices 'in record freefall'
France threatens G20 walk out
Computer experts brace for "Conficker" worm
Afghan unrest kills mayor, 30 militants
US consumer confidence flat amid weak economy
Analysis: Weekend uprising shows Iraqi tensions
Hitachi executive indicted in LCD price-fixing scheme
France threatens walkout before G20 summit
Iran, US officials meet at Afghan conference: Clinton
Former New Zealand PM Clark confirmed in top U.N. post | International |
HP exploring using Android software in computers
Netanyahu ready for peace with Palestinians
Netanyahu to be sworn in as Israel's new premier
IBM to enter "cloud computing" software market
Netanyahu says peace possible with Palestinians
Obama offers tough love to US car giants
HP considering Android for netbooks: report
Iran, US find common cause on Afghanistan
Highlights of draft bill to curb global warming
MySpace adding Citysearch local night life reviews
AFP, Getty Images agree video deal
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
Sony cuts price of PlayStation 2, not PS3
Computer experts brace for Conficker worm | Technology |
US reporters 'face up to 10 years' jail' in NKorea
HP says pondering Google's Android | Technology |
Philippine Red Cross wants proof hostages alive
U.S. senators move to end Cuba travel ban
North Korea missile seen consistent with satellite
US to seek seat on UN Human Rights Council
US lawmakers urge web services to confront Vietnam
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,263
E-books open new chapter for LCD makers | Technology |
'World's best job' seekers for Australian island
US strides toward opening door to Cuba travel
Talking in color: imaging helps social skills | Technology |
Expert: NKorea has several nuclear warheads
Obama team seeks seat on UN rights body
Pakistani Taliban threaten strike on Washington
Senate panel okays nominees for Iraq, Afghanistan
Khmer Rouge prison chief pleads for forgiveness
IBM to enter cloud computing software market | Technology |
US asking that North Korea release Americans
Beijing rejects China spy ring report as 'lies'
13 killed in clash with Muslim rebels: military
"Bolt," "Simpsons" top Genesis Awards
South Korea March exports support recovery talk
Chinese President Hu leaves for G20 summit
NZ dollar drops, debt rallies on RBNZ statement
Tropics are a boon for baby girls
Korea Hot Stocks
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Oz Minerals, China's Minmetals in new $1.2bn deal
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets
Japan's business confidence hits record low
FX gets TV rights for DreamWorks animated films
Seoul shares open higher led by banking issues
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08
TV drama ER draws last breath after 15 years | Entertainment |
Indonesia's singing serial killer eyes pop stardom
NZ cenbank warns high wholesale rates unwarranted
Actor from 'Angel' dies at 33 of heart disease
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets | Entertainment |
Hitachi executive charged in LCD price-fixing case
R&B singer Kelly Rowland splits with label
Japanese PM dismissed German warnings: FT
Steve Martin to make Grand Ole Opry debut
Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header | Entertainment |
Sony cuts PlayStation 2 price to $100
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08 | Entertainment |
Cura follows Alagna in both `Cav' and `Pag' at Met
Metallica sidelining bass player at rock induction | Entertainment |
R&B singer Kelly Rowland splits with label | Entertainment |
Facebook chief financial officer exits firm
Facebook CFO to leave company
Afghanistan commanders expect spike in violence
Suspected U.S. drone fires missile in Pakistan, 12 dead | International |
Iran pledges Afghan help in new gesture to U.S. | International |
World wants Palestinian state, Peres tells Netanyahu | International |
Raul Alfonsin, hero of Argentine democracy, dies | International |
ECB to cut rates, explore 'non-standard' policies
China detains man compiling list of quake victims | International |
Obama team seeks seat on UN rights body
Thai government seeks talks with Thaksin to end siege | International |
Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins
Mexican businessmen flee to US to avoid crime
Cuba has made no plans for spike in US visitors
Obama envoy visits Sudan amid pressure on Beshir
Computer experts brace for Conficker worm | Technology |
RIM opens software store for BlackBerry | Technology |
RIM opens software store for BlackBerry
Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry | Technology |
Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire | Technology |
ER draws last breath after 15 years | Entertainment |
Postal Service launching Simpsons stamps | Entertainment |
Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins
Chinese official calls for heightened security
Pakistan: Suspected US missile kills 12 militants
Disney doubles up on 3-D Toy Story | Entertainment |
Mumbai attacks lawyer stands firm
Khmer Rouge defendant seeks change of detention
Trio of actors ready for Clash of the Titans | Entertainment |
Defence seeks release of Khmer Rouge prison chief
Suspected U.S. drone fires missile in Pakistan
Embattled Thai PM offers talks with Thaksin
Postal Service launching "Simpsons" stamps
Strong earthquake hits Papua New Guinea coast
Taiwan's TMC to team up with Elpida of Japan
Top jobs go empty in deadly Chinese mining center
China to extend foreign bank investment periods
S.Korean won rises on recovery talk; GM cuts gains
Banks, auto issues send Seoul shares up 2.3 pct
ADB expands trade financing program to $1B
Postal Service launching "Simpsons" stamps
Trio of actors ready for "Clash of the Titans"
SCENARIOS-NZ central bank options on bond market ructions
Dialysis patients go cruising
S.Korea March CPI up 3.9 pct y/y, matches forecast
Disney doubles up on 3-D "Toy Story
Recession bites but pampered pooches relax
Atwood's latest study in human frailty
`Idol' judges distracted by Iraheta's funky outfit
2 more celebrities kicked off ABC's 'Dancing'
U.S. says to turn to U.N. if NKorea launches missile | International |
Kandahar attack kills 13: Afghan govt
Obama, Medvedev to reset ties with arms pact | International |
Iraq blames neighbors for water shortage
Palestinians urge U.S. to insist Israel honours deal
France and Germany 'demand regulation at G20'
'Suspected US strike kills up to 12 in Pakistan'
60 years on, NATO in crisis over Afghan war | International |
New round of Palestinian unity talks starts in Cairo
Monthly U.S. death toll in Iraq lowest since beginning of war | International |
Taliban attack Afghan council, 13 dead
Sudan's Bashir defies ICC warrant with Saudi trip | International |
Libya finds 100 bodies of drowned migrants | International |
Helicopter carrying 16 crashes into North Sea | International |
Analysis: Dems punt hard choices on Obama budget
General: Afghan-Pakistan insurgents get stronger
World must 'pick up the pace' on crisis: Obama
US to join UN rights body that Bush rejected
IBM to enter cloud computing software market | Technology |
G20 nations must focus on 'common ground': Obama
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
Canadian hitman pleads guilty to 27 murders
Microsoft launches new servers for small companies
Dreaded 'conficker' worm set to infect PCs
Silicon Graphics files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Microsoft launches new servers for small companies | Technology |
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store | Technology |
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
Obama accepts invitation to China
China vows safer quake zone schools within 3 years
Japan, SKorea agree to raise NKorea test at UN
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption | Entertainment |
17 die in militant attack on Afghan gov't building
Correction: China Google Music story
China says no cover-up in disease outbreak
China restoring France contacts after Tibet spat
China military still under Communist Party control
Sarkozy to meet Hu as France and China mend fences
India exports slide for fifth straight month
Sri Lanka says flood of people leave war zone
India's exports plunge 21.7 pct in February
Seoul court injunctions over FX options a concern-ISDA
Taiwan dollar firms on stocks, c.bank caps rise
Pakistan says meets IMF asset targets comfortably
Japan domestic auto sales hit 38-year-low
In trying times, trend is lower-budget TV shows
Chinese stocks hit 7-month high on recovery hopes
NBC a lot different from days when `ER' started
China manufacturing down again in March: index
Woo-hoo! The Simpsons to appear on postage stamps
Oz Minerals, China's Minmetals in new $1.2bn deal
Richard Chamberlain celebrates his 75th on stage
SKorea's March inflation rate slows to 3.9 pct
Strong 6.1 quake hits Indonesia: seismologists
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01