Computer giant Microsoft warned the public of a computer worm attack on April 1, also called as April Fool’s Day, saying that the virus is set to inflict unprecedented damage to computers or systems that was infected.
The evolving worm called Conflicker or DownAdUP, which reportedly wriggled its line of attack to computers worldwide, was specifically programmed by hackers to evolve itself to inflict more damages.
According to Micro threat researcher Paul Ferguson, who is also involved in the Conflicker task force, the computer giant has implemented security programs to protect users from the malware. Microsoft has also issued a $250, 000-reward money to anyone that can give information that will lead to the arrest of those people responsible for the online threat.
Ferguson said that Conflicker will start to replicate and destroy computers on Wednesday that have outdated anti-virus software or new security patches of Windows RPC server service. The virus can be acquired through USB memory sticks.
Once implanted, the worm starts to dig itself further into the system and settle in a protective armor, making it hard to extract using ordinary computer anti-virus.
However, the official said that they still have no findings that will prove if the worm can unload a payload or go into an attack mode.
One of the features of the worm is that it acts like a robber, stealing all important files save in the device. Hackers can also control the infected device and make them one of their “botnet” armies. This feature allows the computer worm to crack passwords used by a particular user. It is also designed by programmers to connect using 250 website per day to download commands coming from people who invented it.
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