What is a Conficker attack?
Daniel Rodriguez
Published Mar 03, 2026
What is a Conficker attack?
Conficker is a computer worm developed by malware authors to infect Windows computers with the vulnerability (MS08-067) and spread the infection to other such vulnerable Windows computers connected to the network without any human intervention. It is also called Downadup.
What did the Conficker virus do?
Once Conficker infects a computer, it disables many security features and automatic backup settings, deletes restore points and opens connections to receive instructions from a remote computer. Once the first computer is configured, Conficker uses it to gain access to the rest of the network.
Is Conficker still a threat?
In 2015, this figure stood at 400,000 machines, but according to the new Unit 42 IoT Threat Report from Palo Alto Networks, there’s been a resurgence in Conficker infections, with researchers indicating that now the figure is around 500,000.
How do I get rid of Conficker?
Manual steps to remove the Win32/Conficker virus
- Depending on your system, do the following: In Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, click Start, type services. msc in the Start Search box, and then click services.
- Double-click Server.
- Click Stop.
- Select Disabled in the Startup type box.
- Click Apply.
How does Conficker worm spread?
How Does the Conficker Worm Spread? The worm may spread by taking advantage of a vulnerability in the Microsoft Server service that allows remote code execution. Computers and servers without the security patch MS08-067 are susceptible to attacks.
What is the Zeus virus?
Zeus Virus is a Trojan malware package that particularly targets Microsoft Windows. Trojan types of malware mislead users of its true intent, much like its namesake horse. Zeus made a king’s entry in 2007 attacking both top corporate houses and US government institutions with one swoop.
What virus nearly killed the Internet?
The Morris worm or Internet worm of November 2, 1988, was one of the first computer worms distributed via the Internet, and the first to gain significant mainstream media attention. It also resulted in the first felony conviction in the US under the 1986 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Who created Code Red virus?
The Code Red worm was first discovered and researched by eEye Digital Security employees Marc Maiffret and Ryan Permeh, the Code Red worm exploited a vulnerability discovered by Riley Hassell. They named it “Code Red” because Code Red Mountain Dew was what they were drinking at the time.
Who created the Conficker worm?
Two of them, Phil Porras and Vinod Yegneswaran, were the first to spot Conficker. The third author, Hassan Saidi, was the first to reverse-engineer it.
Is ZeuS safe to use?
Zeus virus is a powerful trojan horse most commonly used to steal sensitive information, such as banking details. The malware can infect all versions of Microsoft Windows, can be configured to steal virtually any information hackers want, and even to install the CryptoLocker ransomware on your PC.
What is a ZeuS bot?
Zeus, ZeuS, or Zbot is a Trojan horse malware package that runs on versions of Microsoft Windows. While it can be used to carry out many malicious and criminal tasks, it is often used to steal banking information by man-in-the-browser keystroke logging and form grabbing.
Who invented Lovebug virus?
For two decades, Onel de Guzman has been suspected of unleashing the groundbreaking virus. But he’s never confessed to anything—until now. This story is adapted from Crime Dot Com: From Viruses to Vote Rigging, How Hacking Went Global, by Geoff White.