GTA Prepares State Government for Conficker/Downadup Computer Worm
March 31, 2009
Information security experts are continuing to issue warnings about the rapidly spreading Conficker/Downadup computer worm, but the Georgia Technology Authority has been working with agencies since October 2008 to make sure state computers are fully protected.
The worm exploits a flaw in the Windows operating system and enables an attacker to remotely take control of an infected computer. The worm can then install additional malicious software. More than 10 million computers worldwide are estimated to be infected with the worm.
GTA’s security team first contacted agencies last fall to make sure their Windows-based computers received an emergency patch from Microsoft to protect against the Conficker/Downadup worm. At the urging of the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agencies were also instructed to update their antivirus software and perform full system scans.
GTA issued a follow-up warning about the worm in February 2009 when announcing a new procedure for notifying agency executives about threats from worms and other malicious software. Read GTA's security memorandum.
Most recently, DHS announced the release of a free detection tool to scan networks for the worm. Read DHS' announcement.
The Conficker/Downadup worm can infect Windows systems from thumb drives, network shared drives or directly across a computer network if network servers are not protected by Microsoft’s MS08-067 patch.
Home users can apply a simple test for the presence of the worm on their home computers. The presence of an infection may be detected if users are unable to connect to their security solution website or if they are unable to download free detection and removal tools.
If an infection is suspected, the computer should be removed from the network. In the case of home users, the computer should be unplugged from the Internet.
Associated Document(s):
 |
Protecting your computer.pdf |
| Recommended steps for protecting your Windows-based servers, desktops and laptops | |
|
Facts about the Conficker, Downadup worm.pdf |
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