Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateThe Conficker worm, an Internet bug that was suppose to activate and cause untold online havoc today, hasn't made much of a peep so far, according to reports from CNN and CNet. Security experts in an eWeek post say Conficker was designed to contact "command and control" servers and begin an update. The fear remains that Conficker-infected computers will create a "botnet" and begin a massive denial of service (DoS) attack. Online security experts and firms are still monitoring the Net for Conficker activity. But so far this report, Conficker Worm Strike Reports Start Rolling In, is the only news of a major Conficker "attack." (And it's an April Fools' prank by The Washington Post.)
The takeaway: While Conficker may have apparently failed to live up to the hype, it's still an online threat. As many as 12 million computers may be infected with Conficker, which could lead to one of the largest botnets ever seen, says eWeek. And with online crime up 33 percent, net dangers aren't to be taken lightly.
Our advice remains the same: Check your computers for possible Conficker infection as well as other vulnerabilities and take the appropriate action. Use protective security software (antivirus, firewalls, and antiphishing tools) and follow the safe-computing tips we offer in our Guide to Online Safety. And keep up to date with the latest news about Conficker and other Net threats with our Online Security Blog.
—Paul Eng
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
