Conficker virus now infecting 6 million

Conficker was the main concern of many computer users last April.

Also known as Downadup and Kido, the virus was reported to have struck between five to six million computers.

The virus, which is one of the most malicious to attack Internet users in recent years, allows the masterminds behind it to execute DDoS attacks, distribute spam or other unsolicited content through your computer, hijack you computer memory and space, and steal sensitive or confidential data.

Conficker began spreading in late 2008 but once again hit the headlines in April, when many IT scientists expected it to launch a full force attack on the 1st as a not so funny April Fool’s Joke.

China tops the list of infected countries with 2.7 million cases, followed by Russia and Brazil who have reported about 1 million and 800,000 infections respectively.

Following close behind in order were the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The Conficker virus may be present in these countries, more so than in the US and UK, as Vista OS is said to have a higher immunity to the virus and Vista OS is not as common in less economically and technologically advanced countries.

PC owners and IT managers are still on high alert against the Conficker virus which is said to cost affected businesses over $13 billion in losses thus far.

Kaspersky Lab managing director, Suk Ling Gun, stated that the Conficker infections should serve as a warning to users that constant security updates and awareness of security threats is highly needed when connected to the Internet.