Computer Virus Set For April 1 Attack

A new version of a crippling computer virus is set to strike - and your computer may be defenseless.

The computer virus, or worm program, is called Conficker. The latest version, Conficker-C, is believed to be set to launch on April 1.

But experts say it might already be laying dormant on your home computer gathering up all your personal information.

Experts say there are different versions of the conficker worm, but this latest one could the most destructive potential to your computer.

Conficker-C shuts down your anti-virus software, and it even blocks you from getting into security web sites.

It then downloads a Trojan virus, which will then gather any and all information on your PC.

Right now, experts say the virus is dormant meaning that it's possibly already gotten into computers that aren't updated. It will remain that way until April 1.

That's when it's supposed to send all the information that it's gathered to its host.

Experts say the only way to combat the virus is to update your existing anti-virus software, but most importantly you need to make sure you have the latest Windows software update.

Here are some tools you can use to battle the virus:

Latest Windows software update: http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Get a free PC Safety Scan: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

More information about how to protect yourself from Conficker can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/worms/conficker.mspx

Help protect windows from Conficker here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/dd452420.aspx

Get a free PC Safety Scan here: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

Additionally, Microsoft has implemented an Antivirus Reward Hotline at 425-706-1111, and an Antivirus Reward Mailbox, avreward@microsoft.com, where tips can be shared.

Microsoft is offering a $250,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for creating the Conficker Internet worm that has infected millions of PCs.

For more personalized advice just for Fox 29 viewers from Pro Computer Service, check out http://www.procomputerservice.com/news#28