Perhaps the biggest tech-related news this week was about the conflicker virus / worm. I just recently heard about this virus earlier this week and was surprised to hear that it has been known for some time. Additionally, the worm is apparently using “zombie” computers (computers affected, but unknown to the user/owner) to potentially create whatever havoc it was designed to cause, with an activation date of Apri1 1, 2009.
This is yet another worm related issue that millions of computer users have to deal with and worry about in the Net age. Call it the opportunity cost of owning a computer. Given the potential damage this and other types of virus/worms may cause, computer owners, businesses and corporations must be constantly vigilant in installing current and valid software to protect their computers and network systems. Although the date of concern (April 1), has come and gone, tech experts are warning that the danger is not necessarily over as the worm has the potential to unleash its affect later. Interestingly, this worm is able to affect thumb/flash drives, which I’m sure greatly expands its ability to affect other computers.
Time will tell if the conflicker virus was a bust. However, I am interested to hear other comments about this virus and the best way to guard against it.
5:19 pm - 4-30-2009
The more I heard about the Conflicker worm the more I thought about the Y2K frenzy. And now, the swine flu too. While I know we want and need to be informed about these types of physical and virtual threats, sometimes I think the media sensationalizes the potential threat completely out of proportion to the real threat. On one hand, people panic and engage in behaviors (buying more sophisticated anti-virus software, firewalls, etc. or stockpiling groceries) that they wouldn’t normally engage in which is problematic on many levels and like the boy who cried wolf… if the media whips the populace into a frenzy about every virtual or physical threat, might people become desensitized to their reporting to the point of ignoring a REAL threat?
— Terry