Gilmer Free Press

Tech Alert: Doomsday Computer Attack ... Alert!

Conficker.
It’s the name of the latest doomsday computer attack that, according to the hype, is supposed to wreak havoc on computers Wednesday.

Computer experts say the Conficker infection -actually a computer “worm” that can copy itself to computers that aren’t protected - is designed to start receiving new instructions from its designers on April Fool’s Day, but experts say there are no signs yet that it will take down the Internet as we know it.

Conficker might be hidden in fake patches, which would make it easier for the worm to spread. (We had warned in earlier Tech Notes)

The best speculation is that that the worm is capable of recording your computer keystrokes, including your passwords. Criminals might use this information to try to steal money from bank accounts.
Some experts say this is why they don’t expect a major computer shutdown April 1.

If computers aren’t working, the worm can’t spread and can’t capture passwords.

In case you are wondering whether you are infected or not: If you have kept up with Microsoft Windows patches, you were probably protected before the worm had a chance to sneak onto your computer.

Make sure you go manually to Microsoft by using Windows Updates to get the patches. DO NOT FALL FOR TEASERS!!! (Read our earlier Warnings under Technology|Computer|Science categories)

Microsoft notes that if you’re already infected with Conficker, the worm actually might prevent you from downloading security patches that would remove it. In fact, the latest version of the worm released earlier in March was designed to stop those patches from updating.