Conficker Virus Excessively Infecting Indian Computers

Various security agencies report that the malicious worm Conficker is currently attacking a large number of Indian PCs, to quietly turn them into spam bots as well as to load spyware on them.

A research by Symantec has revealed that India ranks high among the nations that are severely hit by Conficker. This is attributed to the country's rampant use of P2P file sharing applications, inadequate knowledge about the necessity of updating antivirus programs and the widespread use of fake or pirated software.

Shantanu Ghosh, Vice-President of India Product Operations, Symantec India, states that India is one of the top ten nations affected by Conficker, as reported by CIOL on May 11, 2009. According to Mr. Ghosh, although it is not possible to count the number of affected computers, but they definitely count to some thousands.

Further, there is a tremendous increase in the number of Conficker attacks, and India is placed fourth in terms of the total infections globally, said Govind Rammurthy, CEO of Micro World, as reported by CIOL on May 11, 2009.

The Conficker virus installs another virus, called Waledac, which pushes out spam from the infected computer while its owner remains unaware of it. Further, the Conficker makes another impact that pertains to the unexpected excess of bogus anti-spyware on the Internet. If any of these anti-spyware is downloaded, it either infects PCs with malware or push a worthless application that users end up buying.

Do you want an all-in-one suite to protect your pc? the shield deluxe 2009 combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. the shield deluxe 2009 is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for the shield deluxe customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products. the shield deluxe 2009 is Vista Compatible.

12 million people suffered a computer virus attack in the last six months

The results come despite 95 per cent of people claiming to use antivirus or firewall software, according to the findings from moneysupermarket.com.

Of those who have suffered an attack, 39 per cent described the assault as causing a major disruption to their system. A further one in 10 (10 per cent) said the attack, rendering their computer unusable, and one in twenty (5 per cent) admit to having personal information stolen.

The survey of 2,088 adults found that almost one in 10 (9 per cent) admitted experiencing the virus after visiting an 'adult' website.

These kinds of attacks are most common among men (27 per cent compared to 21 per cent of women) and the younger generations, with 38 per cent of those under 20 and 30 per cent of those in their twenties admitting to experiencing virus problems on their computers.

Last month, security experts expressed concerns about a malicious software program known as Conficker, which started spreading late last year, infecting 15 million of computers and turning them into "slaves" that respond to commands sent from a remote server that effectively controls an army of computers known as a botnet.

The worm, known variously as Conficker, Downadup and Kido, provided hackers, spammers and cybercriminals with a 'back door' into people's machines, and making Windows users vulnerable to identity fraud and ID theft.

The virus takes advantage of a vulnerability in the operating system to dig deep into the computer's files, folders and System Registry, which stores settings and options for Windows. Once installed, hackers and spammers are able to remotely download more malicious programs to the computer, or even use the worm to help install software that will enable them to track and steal security information, such as banking login's or credit card information.

Do you want an all-in-one suite to protect your pc? the shield deluxe 2009 combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. the shield deluxe 2009 is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for the shield deluxe customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products. the shield deluxe 2009 is Vista Compatible.

Ways to Save on anti-virus software

Your computer is a big investment and your documents in it could be priceless, so it's wise to install software to protect it. Getting a virus out on your computer can be frustrating and expensive.

If you've been the victim of a computer virus, it's something you'll never forget. "I'm a storywriter so I lose like all the stories that I've written from years ago and it's...it's really frustrating," said Jessica Rodriguez of Springfield.

Aristeo Torres of Post Computer Systems in Wilbraham told 22News "We strongly recommend that you only get an Anti-virus and anti-spy ware program and not the suites." The suites are the deluxe versions. If you stick with the basics, you'll save money. Experts recommend "Panda" or "Norton Anti-virus". Both are around forty dollars each.

You can also get free anti-virus downloads online. "AVG" and "AntiVIR" are the two most reputable according to Torres. But free downloads do not provide you with support if you have questions.

The best way to save money on protecting your computer is to simply use common sense. For example, don't use sharing websites like "Limewire." They're not only illegal, but they can also expose your computer to viruses and spy ware.

Remember to update your protection every year. It will cost you about forty dollars annually, but it will save you money by extending the life of your computer.

Do you want an all-in-one suite to protect your pc? the shield deluxe 2009 combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. the shield deluxe 2009 is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for the shield deluxe customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products. the shield deluxe 2009 is Vista Compatible.

What is the Number 1 Rated Antivirus? - My Personal Choice

Nothing can be more annoying for a computer-owner than his system being hit by a virus. Apart from being a nuisance, viruses can damage important files in your PC. Some people don't take viruses seriously before it hit them. Big mistake. Someone whose PC has been hit by a terrible virus will tell you how hard it is to clean up the mess that these malware can do. This is the reason why it is very important to to install an anti-virus in your computer. If you are always online and downloading files from the Internet then the more reason why you should have an anti-virus.

In choosing an anti-virus though you should always go for the number 1 rated antivirus. Getting a mediocre antivirus program is only a waste of computer resources not to mention money if you have paid for it. There are anti-virus programs available that will make you think that you are protected from malware but actually is only giving a token defense. Then there are anti-virus programs that hugs up all the resources in you computer that running other programs becomes such a drag. For me, the best anti-virus program is one that provides the best protection but is efficient when it comes to using the resources of your PC.

I have used countless anti-virus programs already. I have tried Norton which is one of the most popular available. Norton is good when it comes to providing protection but I personally find it annoying. It has a tendency to block all the programs on your computer. I have also tried Spy Sweeper which is really an anti-spyware more than an anti-virus.

So what for me is the number 1 rated anti-virus? It's none other than the Kaspersky anti-virus. In the test that I have done, it has removed the most amount of viruses. It is also the most least annoying and it uses very minimal computer resources.

Do you want an all-in-one suite to protect your pc? the shield deluxe 2009 combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. the shield deluxe 2009 is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program.

PCSecurityShield provides free technical support for the shield deluxe customers as well as all PCSecurityShield products. the shield deluxe 2009 is Vista Compatible.

Free care for Windows

All-in-one protection and maintenance

In one convenient package, Windows Live OneCare helps protect your computer, uses its optimization features to keep your PC running at its speediest, and even regularly backs up your important files:

• Protection Plus uses antivirus and antispyware scanners, a managed two-way firewall, and integrated anti-phishing technology to protect your computer from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, hackers, phishing, and other threats. It runs continuously, but you can scan individual files and folders for viruses on demand simply by right-clicking them. You can even scan attachments you receive via Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger.


• Performance Plus regularly defragments your hard disk, removes any unnecessary files that may clog your computer, and helps ensure important security updates from Microsoft are installed efficiently and on time.


• Backup and Restore regularly copies your important files and settings to CD, DVD, external hard disk, network drive, or other data-storage device.


• Instant Help provides online help anytime you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Easy to use

Windows Live OneCare is always on, and constantly communicates the status of your PC's health in the notification area of your Windows taskbar:

A green icon means your status is Good. Protection Plus features like antivirus, antispyware, and anti-phishing are up to date, and your computer is not due for a tune-up or backup. Windows Live OneCare is running in the background, monitoring your system to prevent threats from viruses and spyware.

A yellow icon means your status is Fair. Usually this means you have an action to take, such as scheduling or running a tune-up or backup or downloading a noncritical update. A yellow icon means there is no immediate threat to your system, but you should take care of the action as soon as you can to return your system to green.

A red icon means your computer is At Risk. This can happen if, for example, Windows Live OneCare is unable to update Antivirus with the latest virus definitions because of a lost Internet connection, or if the Windows Live OneCare Firewall is turned off.

Always on and automated

Continuously working against threats, Windows Live OneCare is always on, and works with Microsoft Update to help ensure your computer is up to date with the latest critical security releases from Microsoft. You can also use OneCare to simplify home network tasks such as printer sharing, and centralized backup, on up to three computers. Keep your PC safe, secure, and 'green' with Windows Live OneCare.

Evolves to meet your needs

Windows Live OneCare provides automatic updates and service enhancements to subscribers the moment they're released. All PCs (up to three) within the OneCare circle of protection are kept current under the same subscription, giving you the latest technologies to protect your home network against emerging threats, and no worries about different antivirus software versions.

What's new?

With this new version of Windows Live OneCare, our aim was to help consumers better manage their home environment. Our research has shown that most homes now have approximately 2.5 computers. This means that in addition to securing and maintaining multiple PCs, consumers now need to do the extra work associated with connecting devices and securing networks. To ease this burden, features such as multi-PC and home network management as well as printer sharing have been added to OneCare to help address the needs of the modern home environment.


This new version also establishes a foundation to better fill the needs of small businesses. Many small businesses need to protect and maintain a number of PCs, but may not have the resources for extensive onsite IT support. To help solve this problem, centralized backup has been added to OneCare so local backup on a small business network is a simple step instead of a time consuming hassle.


Here's a quick overview of the new features added to OneCare version 2.0 to help keep users' PCs and networks safe, reliable, and performing well:

• Multi-PC and home network management: Helps ease management of multiple-PC environments by providing a single navigation bar for monitoring the security and maintenance of networked computers. Also enables one-click actions to resolve issues among computers within a home PC network.


• Printer sharing support: Makes it easy to connect printers to local networks so all users in the vicinity can use the same printer.


• Start time optimizer: Speeds PC boot time by removing rarely used applications from start-up menu. This helps to address one of the main areas of frustration for PC users as time goes on.


• Proactive fixes and recommendations: Windows Live OneCare constantly monitors the specific configuration of the user's system and makes proactive fixes and recommendations to improve the computing experience.


• WiFi security: Keep your home or small business wireless network safe with the new OneCare WiFi security feature.


• Centralized backup: Enables users to centrally configure and monitor backups for all PCs covered under the same OneCare subscription, with the data from all PCs backed up to a central location.


• Online photo backup: Keeps precious photos safe from theft or accidental loss by backing them up to a secure, offsite location in Windows Live (available to OneCare subscribers at an extra cost in the final v2.0 release).

Take care of your Windows

What's new?

With this new version of Windows Live OneCare, our aim was to help consumers better manage their home environment. Our research has shown that most homes now have approximately 2.5 computers. This means that in addition to securing and maintaining multiple PCs, consumers now need to do the extra work associated with connecting devices and securing networks. To ease this burden, features such as multi-PC and home network management as well as printer sharing have been added to OneCare to help address the needs of the modern home environment.


This new version also establishes a foundation to better fill the needs of small businesses. Many small businesses need to protect and maintain a number of PCs, but may not have the resources for extensive onsite IT support. To help solve this problem, centralized backup has been added to OneCare so local backup on a small business network is a simple step instead of a time consuming hassle.


Here's a quick overview of the new features added to OneCare version 2.0 to help keep users' PCs and networks safe, reliable, and performing well:

• Multi-PC and home network management: Helps ease management of multiple-PC environments by providing a single navigation bar for monitoring the security and maintenance of networked computers. Also enables one-click actions to resolve issues among computers within a home PC network.


• Printer sharing support: Makes it easy to connect printers to local networks so all users in the vicinity can use the same printer.


• Start time optimizer: Speeds PC boot time by removing rarely used applications from start-up menu. This helps to address one of the main areas of frustration for PC users as time goes on.


• Proactive fixes and recommendations: Windows Live OneCare constantly monitors the specific configuration of the user's system and makes proactive fixes and recommendations to improve the computing experience.


• WiFi security: Keep your home or small business wireless network safe with the new OneCare WiFi security feature.


• Centralized backup: Enables users to centrally configure and monitor backups for all PCs covered under the same OneCare subscription, with the data from all PCs backed up to a central location.


• Online photo backup: Keeps precious photos safe from theft or accidental loss by backing them up to a secure, offsite location in Windows Live (available to OneCare subscribers at an extra cost in the final v2.0 release).

All-in-one protection and maintenance

In one convenient package, Windows Live OneCare helps protect your computer, uses its optimization features to keep your PC running at its speediest, and even regularly backs up your important files:

• Protection Plus uses antivirus and antispyware scanners, a managed two-way firewall, and integrated anti-phishing technology to protect your computer from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, hackers, phishing, and other threats. It runs continuously, but you can scan individual files and folders for viruses on demand simply by right-clicking them. You can even scan attachments you receive via Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger.


• Performance Plus regularly defragments your hard disk, removes any unnecessary files that may clog your computer, and helps ensure important security updates from Microsoft are installed efficiently and on time.


• Backup and Restore regularly copies your important files and settings to CD, DVD, external hard disk, network drive, or other data-storage device.


• Instant Help provides online help anytime you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Easy to use

Windows Live OneCare is always on, and constantly communicates the status of your PC's health in the notification area of your Windows taskbar:

A green icon means your status is Good. Protection Plus features like antivirus, antispyware, and anti-phishing are up to date, and your computer is not due for a tune-up or backup. Windows Live OneCare is running in the background, monitoring your system to prevent threats from viruses and spyware.

A yellow icon means your status is Fair. Usually this means you have an action to take, such as scheduling or running a tune-up or backup or downloading a noncritical update. A yellow icon means there is no immediate threat to your system, but you should take care of the action as soon as you can to return your system to green.

A red icon means your computer is At Risk. This can happen if, for example, Windows Live OneCare is unable to update Antivirus with the latest virus definitions because of a lost Internet connection, or if the Windows Live OneCare Firewall is turned off.

Always on and automated

Continuously working against threats, Windows Live OneCare is always on, and works with Microsoft Update to help ensure your computer is up to date with the latest critical security releases from Microsoft. You can also use OneCare to simplify home network tasks such as printer sharing, and centralized backup, on up to three computers. Keep your PC safe, secure, and 'green' with Windows Live OneCare.

Evolves to meet your needs

Windows Live OneCare provides automatic updates and service enhancements to subscribers the moment they're released. All PCs (up to three) within the OneCare circle of protection are kept current under the same subscription, giving you the latest technologies to protect your home network against emerging threats, and no worries about different antivirus software versions.