Computer security alert for an April 1st attack

Security experts have sounded the alarm - others are just as loudly trying to quell the furor - over fears the Conficker computer worm could trigger Internet havoc on April 1.

Multiple versions of the worm, which first appeared late last year, have spread in a variety of ways and take advantage of several weaknesses in Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Windows operating system. The software giant fixed those weaknesses in October, but many people didn't download the patch or they run bootleg copies of Windows that don't get the updates.

Once Conficker infiltrates a machine, it tries to crack administrators' passwords, hijack security software, disable commercial antivirus software, and opens the PCs to further infections. Internet security experts were so struck by the authors' skills that they formed the "Conficker Cabal" to fight back against the worm.

Rick Howard, intelligence director at Verisign Inc.'s (VRSN) iDefense Labs, said researchers scouring the Internet have discovered copies of the updated worm lying in wait to be activated on April 1. He said that while those copies point to a more sophisticated version of the worm, they don't contain a payload that would launch an attack on Wednesday.

Read the full article on CNN Money here. 

What to do if your computer is affected

Call us at 877-909-2224 to report the problem - and we'll work with you to bring your computer back up.

Also on April 1st: the launch of the WAC Help Desk

We swear we're not behind this threat! We've been preparing for the launch of our Help Desk all winter long and we're amazed by  the timing of this attack.

The good news is, we're ready for any customer who is experiencing problems.

If you have a current ProActiveCare support agreement, the number again is 877-909-2224 to access our Help Desk.