[Buddha-l] FYI: Windows worm virus warning--this is real--Joanna K.

[jkirk]

 I only got the warning  yesterday. Sending it to all lists I'm
on. Pass it on please.
 
Worm--Windows users beware: 
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-067.mspx
 
Urgent alert for the W32/Conficker Worm

Summary: W32/Conficker is expected to become active on April 1,
2009, affecting any computer currently infected with this known
threat. This document will assist you in determining whether or
not your computer is infected and what steps to take if it is.


Affected Operating Systems:	
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7 (beta)	

Description

The w32/Conficker worm has numerous variants. All variants have
similar traits in the way they exploit known Windows
vulnerabilities, but each generation incorporates new information
that makes it unique. 

In October 2008, a new variant was detected. This variant
exploits a buffer overflow vulnerability in Windows to run remote
code on your computer which disables multiple services used to
keep your computer stable and secure. After these services are
disabled, the worm can connect to a website and potentially
download additional malware to your computer.

Microsoft released a patch for this vulnerability on October 23,
2008.

If undetected, Conficker will activate on April 1, 2009.

Solution

Step 1 - Update your virus definition files and install the
Microsoft Critical Security Update 

1.	Right-click the M icon in your taskbar, and select
Updates. 
2.	Click OK. 
3.	Download and install the Microsoft patch from the link
below:
	
	
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-067.mspx
	
	IMPORTANT: You must install this patch to protect your
computer against threats which exploit this vulnerability.