Most of the malware use the security holes in the operating system. The Win32/Conficker do the same. It is using the network services in Windows computers. So if you are a Linux user, you can sleep without worries. However every Windows user should be careful and check his/her system.

At first, make sure you are using the most current updates from the Windows Update service. Namely MS08-067, MS08-068 a MS09-001. Please note, that Win32/Conficker could infiltrate Windows from 2000 to Windows 7 version if they haven’t the current security updates.

Win32/Conficker removal

There are several freeware utilities to remove the Win32/Conficker worm. The first was the F-SECURE Malware Removal Tool. F-Secure is the company which detected this worm and made the first removal tool for this malware. However the F-SECURE Malware Removal Tool is working in the command line and some users could feel strange when using such tool.

The second option how to remove the Win32/Conficker worm is using the Symantec W32.Downadup Removal Tool. What is the W32.Downadup? It is simply another name for the Win32/Conficker. The Symantec’s tool is working in the GUI and only need to run this tool is double clicking. Don’t forget that Windows Vista’s users have to start this tool using the context menu and Run as administrator function.

As soon as the Symantec W32.Downadup Removal Tool starts click the Start button and wait until you computer is checked.

As I know, the Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool should be able to remove the Win32/Conficker worm too.

More information about this worm can be found at Microsoft Malware Protection Center.