- The Conficker/Downadup Worm had undergone another upgrade.

- The upgrade has the worm actively scanning for computers that have not been patched with the Microsoft updates.

- The new iteration also goes out and contacts sites like CNN, AOL, MSN, and others to confirm that the infected PC is connected to the Internet.

- If you have not yet applied all Windows updates to your computer you should do so now!

- The Conficker Worm infects computers running Windows 95, 98, ME, Windows NT, XP, Vista, and Windows Server 2003

- Some symptoms include disabling of Automatic Updates, slow domain controllers, sluggish and congested networks, lockout policies reset.

- The worm also takes advantage of common, dictionary-based passwords. This is all the more reason to be more .

- The worm can be spread through USB devices, like thumb drives and flash drives, and by taking advantage of Windows' Autorun and Autoplay.

- The Conficker Worm can be removed and/or disinfected with most anti-virus software. Make sure your anti-virus software is updated and run a full scan of your PC.

- If you don't have anti-virus software you can utilize one of the tools below.
- Download the Symantec Removal Tool
- Download the F-Secure Removal Tool


How to remove Conficker
- Install the latest updates for your operating system.
- Disable System Restore by right-clicking My Computer and selecting Properties.
- Click the System Restore tab and check to box to Turn off System Restore.
- Update your virus definitions and run a full scan, then reboot.
- Scan your computer once more.
- Turn System Restore back on.

- Once again the moral is to run legal copies of Windows, keep Auto Update on, and always run anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date as well.