Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Subscribe to our content for free: (?)
Get our Daily Email
Sections: Computers, Security

The new Downadup worm has affected millions of PCs

by Heather Wood on Jan 20, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Worm

A new virus, Downadup, is spreading across the virtual community like wildfire and has already affected millions of PCs.  To spread the virus, hackers are directing traffic to bogus Barack Obama websites. 

The worm originated back in October and was then known as Conficker.  According to analysts, the worm has reemerged and has wreaked havoc on more than 3.5 million computers in under 24 hours.  It has been renamed Downadup and consists of a network of worms that can prove difficult to remove, especially if a network of computers become infected.

The way that it works is it becomes part of MS Windows services.exe, and then establishes an HTTP server from the infected PC.  In order to spread the worm, hackers are using the inauguration to generate visitors to fake websites.  Spam emails have been sent in order to get users to visit these malware producing sites.

In order to protect against Downadup, computer users should have an updated version of anti-virus software installed.  Also, installing Microsoft updates and patches can help avoid infection with the worm.  You can also receive advice from the F-Secure website on how to stay protected.

Read [Top Tech News]

Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed


Comments
Join the Discussion

Name: *

Email: *

Location (Links to Google Maps):

URL:

Enter Your Comment Below...

* Required fields

Remember my information?

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Submit the word you see below:


Special Features