The Conficker Working Group, a group of companies, agencies and organizations with an interest in putting a stop to the Conficker Worm, has a great little tool for quickly testing weather you have one of the three versions of Conficker.
Click on the image of the Conficker Eye Chart and it will present a page with six images. If any of the top row of images does not load then you might have a problem with Conficker.
Visit the site for a better explanation.
It’s too bad that every virus or worm wouldn’t provide a simple means like this for their detection. So make sure your operating system stays up-to-date and that you run an up-to-date anti-virus protection. And don’t install crap!
Of course, if you are on a Mac or Linux computer then you wont have a problem at all. At least not with Conficker.
Michael Johnson Security anti-virus, Conficker, Security, virus, Windows
Unless you have been living under a rock, then you’ve heard about the Conficker worm and that it’s expected to start communicating with other computers on the Internet on April 1, 2009. Tomorrow! It’s not clear what to expect but the hype is growing. The following is a list of links if you are looking for more info or help.
So if you think you are in trouble then check these links out. But whatever you think, you should always maintain an up-to-date computer, with up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware tools. Be careful what you agree to when you get a pop-up from the internet.
Stay safe and happy computing!
Michael Johnson Security Conficker, Microsoft, Security, virus, Worm
CNET reports of a fake Facbook app going around.
The rogue application, dubbed “Error Check System,” displays an error message in the notifications section that reads “(Friend’s name) has faced some errors when checking your profile View The Errors Message.”
Much of the CNET article’s details come from Graham Cluley’s blog. There doesn’t seem to be anything malicious but that could change. Or it could simply be an attempt to steal personal information.
I recieved two of these this week. But, like most applications and game requests, I ignored it. You should too!
This is a good reminder that just because a website tells you a “friend” recommends something doesn’t mean you should try it. Don’t be socially engineered!
It turns out that the real threat might be to the smart people who are suspicious. Graham Cluley has a follow up blog, A sting in the tail of the “Error Check System” Facebook scare.
If you Google this error or Facebook app, it leads to a result that takes you to a website that will attempt to trick you into installing a fake anti virus application on your computer.
Don’t be socially engineered! Be careful, it’s a very dangerous world out there.
Michael Johnson Security app, dangerous, Facebook, Graham Cluley, Security, Sophos, virus
