Don’t be Confickers Fool on April 1st

Make sure you check your PC for the Conficker C worm and remove it before April 1st. If your PC is infected by the Conficker C worm, April 1st is thought to be the day it is going to go off and do unknown mischief. What this may be is anyone’s guess but the worm has the capability of running any code on infected computers. Rather than an attempt to bring down the internet, as some are predicting, the most likely explanation seems to be that its purpose is to distribute spam or other malware.

Vista machines and other Windows operating systems that have installed all their updates are thought to be safe from the worm. Not totally convinced of this myself I did a check of my machine using a tool McAfee is providing free of charge – W32/Conficker Stinger v10.0.1.537. Do not despair if your machine proves to be infected as various removal utilities are available, for example BDTools has removal tools for single PC’s and networks.

After looking for information on Conficker and being bogged down with technical detail Colin, of Free PC Security, came to my rescue with easy to understand details and instructions in his post Conficker C – D day is coming. Thanks Colin, I should remember to visit you first when looking for such information.

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Pingback by All Ham Is Good Ham
2009-03-31 14:15:00

links from Technoratidefenses that attempt to prevent it from updating. The ability has been around since a new Conficker variant came out earlier this month, but it won’t activate until April 1st, Stewart says.” – Ron Bailey Related articles by ZemantaDon’t be Confickers Fool on April 1st(sueblimely.com) Vexing computer worm to evolve on April Fool’s Day (canada.com) Windows PC Worm Set to Activate on April 1st (littlegreenfootballs.com) April Fool’s Day Virus (+ Video) (masbuchin.com)

 
Comment by Colin
2009-03-31 22:27:13

Hi Sue,
This could be a ‘something or nothing’ worm and over the next few hours the commands are expected to be sent out to the infected computers.

What happens next? No one really knows, but this could continue with commands sent over the next few weeks.

The majority of users will be quite safe if they have patched their OS and updated their security software. To check, users should try to visit security sites such as f-secure, avg, sophos, mcafee and so on as these will be blocked by the worm.

The ‘fingerprint’ for Conficker C has been found which will assist network administrators, the next step being new definitions released from security vendors when available.

Take care my dear friend and we will all be keeping our fingers crossed :roll:

Comment by Sueblimely
2009-04-01 18:06:12

I am hoping it is just an elaborate April Fools joke and nothing will happen at all.

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Comment by Funny Stuff
2009-04-01 01:06:10

I will use that tool you posted and check for it myself. I don’t want to get screwed over by this worm. Thanks a lot.

Funny Stuffs last blog post..God’s Leftover Gifts

 
Comment by james
2009-04-01 01:51:20

Hi,

Good article. Sophos’ Conficker removal tool can detect and remove all variants of the worm/virus.

As long as people run these tools it should stop any serious outbreak.

James

 
Comment by Ashton Cigars
2009-04-01 08:19:50

Thanks for providing the tool and Colin’s post which has more information and removal tools. I just scanned my computer and thankfully it was not infected.

 
Comment by Chelle
2009-04-01 13:25:45

I’m pretty wary of this altogether…what kind of prank would have people warned about it in advance? Will just have to wait and see I suppose.

Chelles last blog post..Dating Simulation Games

Comment by Sueblimely
2009-04-01 18:09:00

There was no warning as such – the trigger date of April 1st was discovered within the worm’s coding.

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Comment by Narzuty
2009-04-02 20:45:38

All you need to do is go to Symantec’s homepage. As long as you’re able to access it you’re probably fine. If you can’t you’re screwed and I don’t think anything short of formatting the whole HDD can help you.

 
Comment by seo india
2009-04-03 04:21:33

I think you made good try to make April Fools … :mrgreen: not at all going to happen..

 
Comment by root of evil
2009-04-03 09:02:22

beware of windows automatic updates

root of evils last blog post..What are dissenters in american literature?

 
Comment by Ching Ya
2009-04-03 11:20:20

I heard about April Fool’s virus/worms that’re crawling all over the net these few days (in fact, every year at this time!) Just couldn’t be too careful. on 1st I got a message to my cellphone asking me to d/load my April Fool Greetings from somebody, no idea how true is it, hit ‘cancel’ straight. Never trust an unknown number.

@wchingya
SocialMedia/Blogging

Ching Yas last blog post..10 Blogging Attitudes You Could Learn from American Idol

 
Comment by Tam @ Melbourne
2009-04-03 20:48:57

LOL is this an april fools post?! :twisted:

 
Comment by Tracy
2009-04-03 22:35:44

Luckily it turned out that this April Fools worm did not turn out to be quite the nuisance everyone feared.
Of course there is a big worm/virus every year on this day and even worse ones coming out all the time so I do not understand why everyone was so on guard. They should be everyday.

Tracys last blog post..What’s inside the earth?

 
2009-04-04 00:56:27

Awe – Please tell me when it is safe to crawl out from under my desk :smile:

 
Comment by David@SEM Labs
2009-04-04 06:34:34

You should consider getting Linux or Mac. There are hardly any viruses on those platforms. There are alternative for most Win software on Linux and you can actually run a lot of Win natively in Linux.

David@SEM Labss last blog post..Free Fluid WordPress Themes and CSS Templates

Comment by Used Tires
2009-04-10 20:28:55

Honestly I would disagree, just because you on a Linux or mac machine, does not make you totally safe. You can get viruses, and what not on linux, and also mac, just like on windows platform. I suppose most of the people that get viruses, are from their own faults. Example… they download it, click on it, etc.

Till then,

Jean

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Comment by Sueblimely
2009-04-05 12:13:34

We don’t really know the full effect of the worm yet. Infected computers were contacted on April 1st and new instructions given to them The F-secure site says “Infected computers will continue to reach out to 500 websites daily in an attempt to update itself. And let’s not forget the P2P technology, it can update itself using that as well.”

If people had not taken precautions and the Conficker Working Group had not worked so hard to prevent infections and to stop it registering web addresses who knows how bad it could have been.

 
Comment by Grog
2009-04-05 14:46:16

My annoying neighbor came running outside the March 31st yelling the sky was going to fall over this stupid virus. How annoying :mad:

Grogs last blog post..The Real Desolation Peak

 
Comment by Harvey
2009-04-06 21:39:13

So was this a prank and not real? I wasn’t affected by the virus.

Comment by Minnesota Attorney
2009-04-06 23:13:29

It was real, but it did not have the significant effect many people expected. It’s possible that the news reports encouraging people to install virus software helped mitigate the damage.

Minnesota Attorneys last blog post..Minnesota Personal Injury Law: Uninsured Motorist Coverage

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Comment by Gurpreet Singh
2009-04-06 23:16:12

No I never let the worm to make a rest room inside my Machine. So I have no worry about it

Gurpreet Singhs last blog post..How to Submit Blog/Website To 40 Search Engines in One Click

 
Comment by Funny Stuff
2009-04-07 03:04:16

Does anyone know how many people got infected by it? I don’t anyone who actually got hit by this worm so I don’t know how damaging it was.

Funny Stuffs last blog post..Out of Meet

 
2009-04-07 03:55:08

So just out of curiosity how does one actually get infected by this virus? If you don’t open any unknown email’s or attachments and don’t browse unsafe sites you shouldn’t even have to worry about a virus scan or things of that sort correct?

Las Vegas Real Estates last blog post..1830 SHAGBARK

 
2009-04-07 13:49:29

Well this April Fool’s was boring.
Google had no joke. Also compunet failed to come through.
But there is always a peckerhead with a virus or a worm that pulls through.

Jimi P.

 
2009-04-09 05:07:57

I am reading this post after April the first has passed and thankfully nothing happened to my PC on 1st April. I hate Conficker, because I have heard it is one of the most ruthless viruses. Am I right?

 
2009-04-11 17:58:59

has got that fools from plurkbuddy (plurk.com) about fake database maintenance, lol

 
2009-04-12 17:14:02

I’ve just read from PCWorld, now conficker has just been awaken by its maker to start money-making dan fake users.

 
Comment by Indo
2009-04-14 05:07:58

I agree with Printer_Ink_Specialist steatment..

 
Comment by celebs gossip
2009-04-17 03:10:05

hmmm i like april mop :D

 
Comment by Erik
2009-04-17 21:27:53

I did the latest update for my virus software than scanned my computer, hopefully if I had it it got rid of it

 
Comment by Creative Web Design
2009-04-21 03:44:46

April Fool is arriving, and so are the viruses into my computer. Slowly running, my PC running on Windows Vista has been infested with pop-ups. I have been running avast! Professional Edition for about 2 years with absolutely no problems. But now, my computer is running as slow as ever. Any ideas?

 
2009-05-11 16:05:18

Many of get screwed out from such tools and scheme so it been usual to happen.

 
Comment by Rohadi
2009-05-22 11:31:26

April mop and worm, which one do you think so suck..??

 
Comment by Jonalyn
2009-05-27 08:48:19

Thanks for the warning, did any of this conflicker hysteria even come true?

I will check out the program you recommended. I use Malwarebytes to get rid of most of the viruses I get. Seems to work pretty decent.

Jonalyns last blog post..I’m Glad We’re Friends

 
Comment by Shane
2009-05-27 18:14:48

Thank God I survived it. Don’t even have an anti-virus. My PC remained safe. Anyways now I have installed an anti-virus.

Shanes last blog post..Interesting Facts About South Africa

 
Comment by MP3 tunes
2009-06-09 19:14:01

At the first of April is always a lot of letters to mail. I have letters from strangers removed. Once opened a letter from a stranger man, then had to format the HDD. :-(

 
Comment by Pariswheel
2009-06-09 21:00:03

Did anyone suffer any serious problems from this? Or was this all just exaggerated?

Pariswheels last blog post..Beautiful Angel

 
Comment by gas card
2009-06-10 21:21:52

@Paris I don’t think anyone did as we really didn’t hear much about it, I think it was just over hyped, just like the Y2K deal, lol.

 
Comment by digital photo frame
2009-06-11 23:54:41

Thanks for this information. I will check your programme for safty purpose.

 
Comment by Pariswheel
2009-06-16 12:22:58

Thanks for the response gas card, I agree with you when you say it was just over hyped. My mom stocked up on food and supplies for he Y2K thing, glad she and the media were wrong about it.

Pariswheels last blog post..Girl Graphic

 
Comment by Mind Ruin
2009-06-19 10:08:05

I try to keep watch of random virus infection with regularly running virus checking tools. You can find most for free, so it isn’t too hard to protect yourself.

Mind Ruins last blog post..Aliens shitting plasma in our own backyards?

 
Comment by Mind Ruin
2009-06-19 10:08:59

Also it is great to hear that this virus didn’t really come true for the most part ( I could be wrong ). Sounds like it all just turned out to be media hype.

Mind Ruins last blog post..Aliens shitting plasma in our own backyards?

 
2009-06-20 01:29:33

Funny how this thread is still receiving comments despite today being almost July.

Kennewick Real Estates last blog post..Kennewick WA Homes for Sale

 
Comment by Pariswheel
2009-06-21 11:46:10

Yea I’m just glad it didn’t happen. This virus was like a web craze.

Pariswheels last blog post..Rockstar Graphic

 
Comment by Tech and Toys
2009-06-23 15:39:30

Just make sure you have a decent virus checker and you will be fine. And you won’t have to worry about these kinds of scares.

Tech and Toyss last blog post..Zenith DTT901 Digital Converter Box Review

 
Comment by used tires
2009-06-25 16:03:20

The Conflicker worm reminds me of the millennium bug scare. Good thing the millennium bug was not real. Good thing I did not get any virus on the first of April too :D I hate April 1st. I am oftentimes afraid to step out of my house.. there are so many pranksters out there.

 
Comment by Tech and Toys
2009-06-30 19:03:02

Yea I couldn’t agree more used tires. Just a media hype is all.

Tech and Toyss last blog post..Zenith DTT901 Digital Converter Box Review

 
Comment by Martin
2009-07-04 21:35:03

hey good article, i just read this post…

 
2009-07-24 11:39:31

I am glad to hear this didn’t seem to happen to many people.
Myspace Military Graphics´s last blog ..Peacock Graphic

 
Comment by Make Lots
2009-07-26 21:16:53

Is there any big scares that I should be worried about currently?
Make Lots´s last blog ..Blog Tools Review – What Site Should I Choose For My Blog?

 
Comment by Pictures of Fish
2009-08-03 14:46:30

Just download the latest virus checker and you should be safe from further problems.
Pictures of Fish´s last blog ..Is a Dolphin a Fish?

 
Comment by Toner Central
2009-08-09 14:14:15

We didn’t have any issues with this worm!!

 
2009-08-13 06:52:07

Thank you for the warning on Conflicker. My computers usually break down on their own without the help of viruses, but it’s good to know.

Comment by Accounting Profit
2009-11-20 06:12:09

No kidding! Thanks for the warning about this, because I don’t definitely don’t need any help wearing down my PC.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
Comment by Buy PSP Go
2009-08-20 05:14:08

Luckily this turned out to be nothing!
Buy PSP Go´s last blog ..Gran Turismo Free With PSP Go Pre Order!

 
2009-08-21 00:08:16

Helful resource, thanks for that great share, so useful !

 
2009-08-21 19:51:05

Was anybody you know affected by the conficker worm I haven’t really heard anything more about it?
South Africa Safaris´s last blog ..Real Luxury: Unique Travel Experiences from the Sunday Times

 
Comment by Buy PSP Go
2009-08-25 01:02:47

@ South Africa: On some machines it downloaded an adware platform and on others a fake antivirus.

With the majority of people nothing has happened, yet…
Buy PSP Go´s last blog ..Gran Turismo Free With PSP Go Pre Order!

 
Comment by customer ratings
2009-09-09 08:29:29

i was confickers fool, just not on April 1st. It got me a few months later, actually :/
-Jack

 
Comment by PP
2009-09-09 14:08:04

from Symantec website
“The Conficker worm is no longer spreading quickly. On April 1st the worm took steps to protect itself. Since then we have seen signs that the worm may be spreading new malicious code between already infected machines.”

 
Comment by ed hardy
2009-09-27 01:07:18

I like very much the writings and pictures and explanations in your adress so I look forward to see your next writings.

 
Comment by Kristen Stewart
 
Comment by Y8 April Games
2009-10-16 01:54:31

Very nice and funny share.

 
Comment by nice shoes
2009-10-20 04:20:28

Dude I was totally ready to hate but that new Black Eyed Peas song owns.

 
Comment by nice shoes
2009-10-20 04:21:46

Lineup looks pretty decent. I mean, if you ignore Black Eyed Peas. But some of the smaller names are pretty good.

 
Comment by Elmer
2009-10-22 12:55:39

We must update and checked our pc’s regularly from conficker’s worm and other viruses even it is not April fools or whatever.
Elmer´s last blog ..Get Rid Of Obsolete Data With Regcure Registry Cleaner

 
Comment by Offshore Seedboxes
2009-11-01 20:56:55

Thanks for the advice :)

 
Comment by Quick Sale
2009-11-04 17:58:23

I have already installed a anti virus software which can track this virus!

 
Comment by Saeco
2009-11-17 00:15:52

Thanks for providing the tool and Colin’s post which has more information and removal tools

 
2009-11-20 19:46:45

Thanks for great tips.

 
Comment by Sally
2009-11-27 22:32:07

It is a kind of a bad joke, I think. I would get in a rage if I found a warm or a virus on my PC, even on the 1st of April.

 
Comment by Anna
2009-11-28 01:17:22

The best joke is that joke which makes you laugh together with the people but not over them:)
Anna´s last blog ..Agile Software Development Company | Web Application Development Services | Custom Programming | Oxagile

 
2009-12-02 23:04:19

I’ve just checked my computer for the worm and it turned out it was on my PC, I’m now getting it removed. Thanks for the tip off, it really is a sick joke to spread a worm like this and cause havok on people’s files and pics!
Jane @ Free Laptop with Mobile Phone´s last blog ..Mobile Phone Free Laptop

 
2009-12-03 17:53:35

You can bet top researchers at all the big security firms have been working overtime to crack this. So IBM’s Yason, who is reportedly an unassuming personality, has earned some bragging rights.
homemade gifts to make´s last blog ..Handmade Christmas Gifts for your dear ones

 
Comment by Florida Contractor
2009-12-10 18:29:11

yes if happens so we can be big fools than on April 1st Fools.

 
2009-12-13 02:52:41

Do you think this would be a good April fool prank?
homemade gifts to make´s last blog ..Handmade Christmas Gifts for your dear ones

 
Comment by forum
2009-12-17 21:25:56

I think you made good try to make April Fools … not at all going to happen..

 
Comment by Sözlük
2009-12-17 21:26:18

Dude I was totally ready to hate but that new Black Eyed Peas song owns…

 
Comment by SEO
2009-12-17 21:27:06

Lineup looks pretty decent. I mean, if you ignore Eminem. But some of the smaller names are pretty good.

 
2009-12-18 03:01:14

I dont like 1 april :(
Antalya evden eve nakliyat´s last blog ..Evden eve nakliyat

 
Comment by Program
2010-01-14 03:26:52

Thanks for providing the tool and Colin’s post which has more information and removal tools. I just scanned my computer and thankfully it was not infected.
Program´s last blog ..Beyaz Show’da Cem Y?lmaz – Helyum Gaz?

 
Comment by Kate
2010-01-22 21:49:18

To my mind it’s a cruel way to joke like this:(

 
Comment by Program
2010-02-05 10:38:43

I’m pretty wary of this altogether…what kind of prank would have people warned about it in advance? Will just have to wait and see I suppose.

 
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