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Conficker (aka Downadup, Kido) Removal Tools – Updated 08/07/09

Over the past couple of weeks our technicians have been receiving a lot of questions regarding the Conficker worm. As a result, I wanted to address some of the most frequently asked questions on protection, infection and removal procedures. The goal of this post is to not over-hype the problem with technical jargon. We simply want to inform our readers on the worms capabilities and the tools available to address them.

  1. What is Conficker?

    Conficker is malicious software that is spreading rapidly by exploiting security weaknesses in the Windows Operating System. The software program continues to evolve and spread throughout computer networks. If infected, the software is scheduled to receive instructions on April 1. The intent of the worm is still being debated.

  2. How does the worm spread?

    It attacks a vulnerability in a Windows service that enables a computer to be remotely attacked and taken over. Once a computer is infected the worm can spread through password-protected network shares and infect other client computers. In addition, the worm infects removable devices (example: USB Thumb Drives) and spreads when the devices are plugged into additional computers.

  3. How do I protect my computer?

    Download and install the latest security patches via Windows Update. A patch was released in October of last year to address security exploits: Windows XP Patch

    Update your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software. Make sure your security software is updated. The malicious software has the capability to disable security software from updating. We’ve seen cases where it blocks access to well-known security websites.

    Perform an Anti-virus scan before April 1st to ensure that you’re not infected by the virus.

  4. Are there Conficker removal tools available?

    Windows Removal Tool: Link to Download Page

    Symantec (Creator of Norton) Removal Tool: Link to Download Page

    McAfee Removal Tool called Stinger: Link to Download Page
     [Source: Killer Tech Tips, Thank You!]

    Malwarebytes: Link to Download Page

    OneCare Online Scanner and Removal Tool: Link to Online Scanner

    Kaspersky “KK” Removal Tool: Link to Download Page | Mirror (if first link doesn’t work)

Leave us a comment if you have questions on protection or removal. We’ll be glad to help out.

5 responses have been posted:

  • Daniel Palumbo posted - April 16th, 2009 at 4:37 am

    Hi, I got onto your site to try and find a window to downloading a removal tool. I found out I have the conflicker A/B variant but this bug has somehow blocked every site (including all 4 of your links) that can give me access to removal tools.

    Could you please send me a removal tool through email so I can install it or give me any other advice that may work? It would be much appreciated

    Thankyou
    Daniel

  • Benjamin posted - April 19th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    Hi Daniel,

    We’ve uploaded two additional links to assist you with your removal of the Conficker virus. In addition, we’ve listed a direct download link for those users having trouble downloading directly from the software vendors. Let us know if you have any trouble using either utility.

    Thanks,
    Ben

  • Daniel Palumbo posted - April 20th, 2009 at 6:33 am

    All sorted thanks, I downloaded AVG free anti-virus and found it pretty much straight away. All clear now :)

  • Knightmayortech posted - May 2nd, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Thank you for your help!

  • Victor posted - December 9th, 2009 at 2:50 am

    Helped me out a bunch, great post!