The malicious Conficker worm is scheduled to activate on infected PCs all across the world this Wednesday, April 1, and DataSource Solutions wants to make sure that your business doesn’t suffer.

Here is a quick Q&A about what Conflicker actually is, and what you need to do to protect your business from the worm.

Q: What exactly is Conficker?
A: Conficker is an unusually sophisticated worm that has already infected an estimated 12 million or more machines worldwide. It spreads by exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, especially on business computers that are not regularly updated with the latest security patches. Once a computer on your network is infected with Conficker, the program has easy access to other vulnerable computers in your office.

Q: What can it do?

A: If you have file sharing turned on, the Conficker worm can execute code remotely. Essentially, that means that the attacker can take control of your computer and use it for malicious purposes.

Q: Why April 1st?

A: Security experts are still unsure. They do know that Conficker is amassing an unprecedented network of infected computers that are all linked together with sophisticated peer-to-peer controls. This could be anything from a huge April Fool’s joke to something far worse. Experts have posited the Conficker is creating an illicit network where hackers can “rent time” on your computer to do things like spamming. Others suggest it could be a “Dark Google,” intended to search the data on all infected computers and sell the answers to nefarious clients.

Q: What can I do to protect my company?

A: The good news in all this is that it is possible to detect and remove Conficker. DataSource is providing services to all its clients to ensure no such virus outbreak will take place within their environment. We can take both precautionary steps by updating and installing the necessary patches, as well as make appropriate recommendations for your continued security.

If you would like more information about Conficker, or about what DataSource Solutions can do to protect your company from such an outbreak, don’t hesitate to call at 310-464-3400 or write.