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'Conficker' Computer Worm Showing Little Sign Of Life

The Associated Press

The computer worm that has poisoned millions of PCs around the world could use the machines for cybercrimes starting today.

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The Associated Press

Published: April 1, 2009

Updated: 04/01/2009 11:03 am

The malicious Conficker Internet worm is trying to reach its creators more aggressively today, but it hasn't launched the cybercrime spree many feared.

The worm's programming included a change in tactics scheduled to take place today. Infected computers were told to step up their attempts to "phone home" for commands. But chief research officer Mikko Hypponen at antivirus company F-Secure says that's the only sign of life from the bug.

The worm can take control of unsuspecting PCs running Microsoft's Windows operating system. It has infected anywhere from 3 million to 12 million PCs already. Its creators likely want to use their vast "botnet" to send spam or perform other cybercrimes, and not to bring down the Internet, experts say. One fear was the virus would be able to tap people's bank accounts, social security numbers and other personal information.

Security companies monitoring the worm have been largely successful at blocking infected machines from communicating with whoever programmed it.

Security experts, including some in Tampa, appeared correct in their predictions that the day was likely to come and go without any major disruptions

"These guys have been pretty smart until now - the worm is unfortunately very well done," said Patrik Runald, chief security advisor for F-Secure Corp. "So far they haven't been stupid. So why should they start on April 1?"

Frank Hernandez, who owns Frank's Computer Repair and Web Design in Tampa, has been monitoring the Conficker phenomenon. He said it's much ado about nothing.

"It's hype," he said. "It's all hype."

He said the talk of a killer computer virus that was poised to swoop into everyone's computer today to steal identities, bank account numbers and money just hasn't happened. That's not to say it's not out there, he said.

There are plenty of viruses and worms, but people are mostly protected through automatic patches and anti-virus software.

"The chances (of infection) are slim," he said. "We have not really seen the impact that everybody was expecting."

Microsoft has offered a $250,000 bounty for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for Conficker.

Reporter Keith Morelli contributed to this report.

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