Since it’s release in late 2008, the conficker worm is believed to have infected over 10 million computers.

What are the symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Account lockout policies are automatically reset
• Windows services like Automatic Updates, Windows Defender, Error Reporting Service are disabled
• Local networks get congested
• It may restrict you from accessing security related websites (thus not allowing you to download removal tools)

How does it propagate?

• Through the exploitation of unpatched security vulnerabilities
• It spreads itself by using shared folders in local networks
• By using the autoplay feature in removable disks, such as memory cards and some USB devices

How to prevent an infection

• Use windows automatic updates to stay up to date with the latest patches
• Always use an active protection like an Antivirus and keep it updates, Antivirus companies release updates on daily basis. Avast! and AVG offer great free versions
• Run anti-malware tools like Spybot S&D or MalwareBytes every other week
• Don’t visit unsecured sites (this includes porn/warez sites) and watch out for what you are downloading, p2p networks can be highly dangerous if not used properly
• Stay away from “Free Web Scanners/Antiviruses”

How to remove conficker

Once a computer is infected, accessing removal tools may be complicated, if this is your case, download one of the tools listed below on a clean computer and copy it on a USB drive or CD, if possible run this tool in windows safe mode.

The best way to remove the conficker worm is by using a dedicated removal tool or by running an updated antivirus.

Here are some standalone removal tools that you can use to remove conficker (free):

• Symantec’s Conficker (aka Downadup) tool
• BitDefender’s Anti-Downadup
• Sophos Conficker removal tool
• Trend Micro’s Cleanup Engine

Are you having a hard time removing the Conficker worm? post a comment and we will help you.