virus tomorrow
Tomorrow, many Microsoft Windows users may discover that a difficult-to-eradicate computer virus has overwritten many of their computer files with zeros. [1]
That is when the worm will generate 50,000 domain names and systematically try to communicate with each one. [2]
The Conficker virus, which is thought to have infected up to 15million computers since last autumn, has so far lurked harmlessly - but it is said to be programmed to change the way it operates today. [3]
Also, please make sure every Windows machine is patched. [...] If they are already infected, the WORM prevents the anti-virus software from updating automatically and it prevents people from getting to security websites. [2]
Merely viewing an infected e-mail on Outlook will infect a computer. [1]
Experts are sceptical about whether today is the day the worm will turn, but urge the public to ensure their anti-virus software is up to date. [...] But there are fears the virus, which infects machines through the internet and via memory sticks, will be used to steal bank details, send spam emails or crash a major website by overloading it by redirecting all affected computers to it. [3]
“As the author says, it’s just the beginning: if today that means new macro viruses, tomorrow - new dangerous worms could endanger every system connected to the net,” he said. [4]
Graham Cluley, of internet security company Sophos, advises people to rid their machines of the worm as soon as they can. [...] Of course there are viruses for Macs but Macs are so much less likely to be targeted. [3]
“Because of such people who don’t realise the importance of this matter, new dangers could arise for all the people using the internet, either for work or for fun. [...] A bit of research reveals that this isn’t the first or only online virus generator in existence. [4]
What this means is that the end-users Windows OS will not update itself to fix the hole that the Worm is using. [2]
Taking the danger of idiot-friendly kits responsible for the likes of the Anna Kournikova virus one step further, vandals can now create a new virus in seconds without even downloading software. [4]
Sources:
[1] Yale Daily News - Computer virus to activate tomorrow
[2] AMERICAblog News| A great nation deserves the truth: Huge computer …
[3] April Fool’s Day computer virus could cause internet chaos tomorrow …
[4] vnunet.com Online virus generator causes concern