Worms: The Most Dominant Security Problem

According to Microsoft’s latest version of the semi-annual Security Intelligence Report (SIR), Conficker worm is still one of the most dominant threats of PCs using Windows. Five million computers were found to be infected with Conficker. It can be spread either by exploiting a vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows Server service, through infected removable media or brute-forcing weak passwords on other PCs. Microsoft was alarmed with Conficker’s continuous circulation mainly in enterprises. Conficker has a password-cracking ability that can spread fast if one PC in the company is already infected.

Another worm named is Taterf. It took the second spot when it comes to the most infections, specifically 4.9 million. Taterf is known for stealing authentication and account information for popular online games like World of Warcraft, Lineage, Maple Story and more. It can be spread through infected drives such as a USB stick or an infected network drive.

Next in the line is the Zlob. It is a Trojan horse spreading while making people believe that it is a media codec than a virus. A media codec is software used to encode and decode audio or video. Zlob can be removed using Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT).

Microsoft mentioned the growing numbers of security problems including the fake antivirus programs. These programs seems to be a legitimate software but do not actually work. They just annoy people with pop-up menus displaying that their computer is infected and will only stop after purchasing the software for as much as $60. Microsoft has added new antivirus software such as Windows Defender and the MSRT to detect more worms and viruses.

Different countries encounter different threats. Trojan horse programs, known for downloading other malicious software, are the biggest threat in countries like United States, United Kingdom, France and Italy. In Brazil, malicious software intended for online banking is the problem. Worms are still dominant in South Korea and Spain.

Microsoft has proven that worms are the most dominant security problem for PCs. With the blink of an eye, a Conficker, Taterf or Zlob can easily infect your computer. The right thing to do is protect your PC right away with an antivirus software. If you need help with  antivirus software or virus removal, Techie Now is here to give the fast and safe services that you need. With Techie Now, we will keep your PC clean and protected.