A worm is a self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself.

Worms use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user.

It is common for worms to be noticed only when their uncontrolled replication consumes system resources, slowing or halting other tasks.

On April 1^st a worm that has been estimated to have infected close to 15 million computers is programmed to ‘call-home’ for directions on what to do next. The potential for this threat causing wide-spread problems is great, but nobody knows how the infected computers will be manipulated. Programmers of the malware choose the date to confuse individuals, as April 1^st is known as a day of pranks.

Regardless of whether or not something detrimental will take place on Wednesday, all computer owners and users should install the necessary protection and Microsoft patches that have been released.

Check us out on the news talking about the threat:

KHON2

KITV4

KHNL8

Additional information online:

http://cyberinsecure.com/days-before-conficker-outbreak-researchers-de tect-an-easy-detection-method-for-infected-machines/

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/24/conficker.computer.worm/index.html

Todd Kingman is the Ring Leader at SuperGeeks

Watch SuperGeek Todd Kingman explain the implications of the latest worm.

The malicious program, known as Conficker, Downadup, or Kido was first discovered in October 2008.

Although Microsoft released a patch, it has gone on to infect 3.5m machines.

Experts warn this figure could be far higher and say users should have up-to-date anti-virus software and install Microsoft’s MS08-067 patch.

Read more about this worm.