I borrowed my graphic from my last post on a Tech Tip for ActiveRainers or Home Buyers using multiple PCs. It seems to work for this computer security tip as well.

The jury is still out on the latest variants of the Conficker - Downadup worm that's set to go off on April 1, 2009. Still, it has caused Microsoft to offer a $250,000 reward for an arrest of the creators.

CNET seems to think there won't be much of an effect. USA Today calls it dangerous. Panda Security has identified it to a Conficker 'D' variant. Microsoft had put up it's own page for the Conficker 'B' variant. At the very least, it appears to be the largest computer attack in about 10 years. Hopefully it won't disrupt your use of the blogs and other features here at ActiveRain.

So while it's hard to determine what exactly this worm may do, it probably wouldn't hurt to make sure you have the latest Windows Updates, and run a virus scan. If you don't have any antivirus software, in addition to the methods offered in the above article links and from Microsoft, you can also try the free online scans at Trend Micro Housecall, or Bitdefender that also says they have a Conficker Removal Tool. I haven't had the need to use any of them myself, so I can't say exactly what will or will not work.

If you are interested in relocating to Las Vegas or would like more information on Las Vegas real estate, please email me, Roberta LaRocca, at roberta@search4lasvegashomes.com, or call 702-354-8988. I look forward to hearing from you!