Conficker worm offspring may attack millions today

Cybersecurity experts are warning that a new variation of Conficker, a fast-spreading computer worm also known as Downadup, could attack millions of computers today – April Fool’s Day.

Personal computers and laptops already infected with Conficker could automatically be linked to the servers operated by the hackers.

Esteban O. Farao, a consultant with Enterprise Risk Management, a Miami security consulting company, said the worm is not destroying files or stealing data, but it has the capability to do so.

“The main concern about this worm is that it is capable of downloading additional code from the hacker’s Web site or through a peer-to-peer connection,” Farao said. “Consequently it can bring more functionalities or receive instructions.”

Experts say it’s unknown whether the worm will cause havoc or merely turn out to be an April Fool’s prank. But people can protect their computers by using security software.

Howard Schmidt, a former White House cybersecurity adviser, said computer users need to download an application of Microsoft software to detect and disable the worm.

Experts also advise keeping your security applications and operating systems updated.

“The most interesting thing about this worm is that every time someone finds out a way to get rid of the worm, it reinvents itself with more rigor and better technology,” Schmidt said.