BitDefender Releases 'Conficker -- One Year After' Whitepaper

Paper details how the Conficker worm has spread since 2008 and how it could become a bigger threat in 2010

December 09, 2009

BUCHAREST, Romania " December 08, 2009 " BitDefender, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions announced today the release of 'Conficker " One Year After', a whitepaper detailing the Conficker worm's first appearance in November 2008, the damage it has done, and predictions on how it will spread in 2010. Conficker is a well-written piece of malware that has the potential to cause a lot of damage with the intelligent manner in which it updates itself. BitDefender's 'Conficker " One Year After' whitepaper also provides tips on how readers can keep their systems protected from the worm.

Conficker (a.k.a. Downadup or Kido) is a network worm that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in Microsoft' Windows' in order to spread. Its main purpose is to compromise as many machines as possible by exploiting a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows RPC Server Service, described in the Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067. The vulnerability allows a cybercriminal to remotely execute code onto an unprotected machine.

Since its inception, there have been numerous variants of the Conficker worm. Some variants use the exploitation of the Autorun function for removable drives and media (such as USB portable storage devices) to spread, while others take advantage of weak passwords to infiltrate networks. Another variant disables Microsoft Windows Update and blocks access to the majority of internet security vendor Web sites, which means users cannot access automatic or manual security updates.

Although Microsoft offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to the identities of the cybercriminals behind Conficker, the worm continues to wreak havoc. BitDefender researchers predict that Conficker will become an even bigger threat in 2010 by:

The corruption of defensive systems "Conficker will completely neutralize defensive systems and will leave dangerous security internet breaches on user networks

Distributed denial of service " By paralyzing computers over the Internet, Conficker will prevent the access to particular Web sites for extended periods of time

Pay-per-click system abuse and fraud " Conficker will be used to visit specific Web sites and will automatically "click" on advertisement banners with the intent of obtaining information for financial gain

Key logging, traffic monitoring and mass identity theft " Conficker, like many botnets, will be programmed to monitor keyboard activity and collect keystrokes to gain access to users' personal information

Spamming " Conficker will harvest e-mail addresses, which will be used to send a massive amounts of spam messages to other computers

To access BitDefender's 'Conficker " One Year After' whitepaper, please click here.

To listen to the 'Conficker " One Year After' podcast featuring BitDefender's Catalin Cosoi, please click here.

Cosoi provides listeners with tips for keeping their systems protected from Conficker and other malware threats. Cosoi's tips include:

Check with your operating system provider on a regular basis " download and install the latest security updates, malware removal tools, as well as other patches or fixes

Update your antimalware, firewall and spam filter as frequent as possible, with the latest virus definitions and suspicious applications/files signatures

Install and activate a reliable password protected antimalware, firewall, spam filter and parental control solution

Scan your system frequently

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About BitDefender'

BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention, emerging as the industry's anti-malware innovator. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe — giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products are available at the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender's http://www.malwarecity.com provides background and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.