Computer Safety Tip

Worms attack unsuspecting systems – watch out!

April 8, 2010 Computer Safety Tip

A new worm is taunting PC users across the internet of late! Microsoft has reported a rise in the number of malware attacks exploiting a security hole supposedly addressed by a recent patch. The worm in question has been identified as the latest version of the Conficker infection. The worm tends to “propagate on random computers” in an affected Windows-based network.

Recent reports from various Microsoft customers have reported to being infected by the Win32/Conficker A malware.  These recent reports have a common malware family and customers/users are urged to update their systems, and get their systems patched immediately or as soon as possible.

Security concerns have prompted the company to issue an out of band patch, so as to combat this worm invasion! The security exploit, and Microsoft’s related hotfix, focuses on remote procedure call (RPC) technology, which allows the subroutine codec to be performed on other computers in a shared network.  This RPC vulnerability lies in the fact that subroutines can be executed without programmer interference.  It allows an almost automatic remote interaction between CPUs in a shared processing environment.

One should not fret though, as there is absolutely nothing to be worried about, provided your system has been patched. Although vulnerability is bad, there are several mitigations, including disabling files and print sharing.  The proper use of firewalls is definitely suggested as a long term fix to this type of problem.

The actual worm virus is not the real threat.  Worms tend to only be automation and they tend to make a noise.  A worm can also be utilized by a Trojan application, or manually by a skilled hacker. The hacker is more likely to go undetected and is capable of causing greater damage; this is where your firewall will come into play!

This particular kind of “client-side” virus is an excellent example of why “defense-in-depth” security practices should be followed by IT pros and individual users alike. And a testament to why there is a continual search for new ways to combat the ever increasing number of pc parasites out there.

If you have been experiencing more trouble than usual with your computer, or should you be noticing that your computer is simply not running at its optimum, chances are your computer has been infiltrated and may be victim to a series of possible PC virus infections. Here are a few simple ways you could prevent these issues and may also boost system performance.
Firstly, you need to have an Anti-Virus application installed on your computer. Anti-Virus software is one of the more important applications that you will ever purchase. Some Anti-virus software have the ability to detect some virus’s that other’s can’t, when deciding ask around or do some research on each product.

Secondly, Disk Defragmentation is a fast and easy way to help your computer run efficiently. Every PC is equipped with a disk defragmentation program. This program moves files around on your hard drive to free up space and make your computer run faster. Everything will be the same the only thing you will notice is better system performance.

It is very important to ensure all your anti-virus software is up to date as well, before attempting a download session.
Important to bear in mind is that updates should be installed on a regular basis, as hackers are increasingly growing in knowledge and new ways to infiltrate computers, therefore by regularly updating your system, you will also be abreast of the latest in the world of safe computing.

Tags: attacks, Conficker, Conficker infection, Infection, malware, Microsoft, Win32/Conficker A malware, worm