(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A computer virus attacking Microsoft Windows has infected almost nine million machines and is spreading faster than ever before. Experts say the worm has "skyrocketed" in recent days.

It is sweeping through thousands of offices in the UK and has affected computers at the Ministry of Defence.

The virus - known variously as Conficker, Kido or Downadup - burrows deep into the operating system and tricks the machine into running the infected program.

Once the worm is running on the computer it automatically starts to download more malicious programs from hackers' websites, with devastating effects.

The majority of computers infected by the worm, which was first identified in October, are in Russia, China, Brazil and India. But the virus is now taking hold in the UK.

The worm has password cracking capabilities, often successful because company passwords sometimes match a predefined password list that it carries.

Eddy Willems, a security analyst with anti-virus firm Kaspersky Labs, said that a new strain of the worm was now causing additional problems.

Computer users are advised to ensure their anti-virus software, operating system and firewall is up to date, and that they have installed a Microsoft patch designed to combat the problem.

Experts have also warned the virus could spread by copying itself to USB memory sticks shared between computers, and urged users to use caution.

does anyone have or know anymore info on this

if this was spreading how come the sender didnt catch it aswell? because as it so smart or w/e he should of got it also if it does what people say =/

I'm not sure what exactly you were trying to say, but it sounds like you're asking why the originator of the virus didn't catch it? The virus only infects unpatched machines and also travels via USB storage devices. So as long as the person (or anyone) has all Windows updates installed and doesn't have auto-run enabled they won't catch it. Plus, since the creator would have full control of the virus, he could issue a command to remove it from any infected PC that he wants.

There's a 250,000 dollar bounty on the head of the writer of the worm.

Just be sure to know your system and how it runs. I'm doing fine and if anything did happen then try to run your comp in safe mode conficker won't let it so you know you're infected.
also apparently macs are immune to this thing coding so mac users can chill.

OMFG that amazing, 250K

I read in the sun the other day about this and it provided a site that you can download a patch or something to help protect you.

I think it was: You must login or register to view this content.

EDIT: Not playstation home :rolleyes: f-secure.com

Ouch, These type of things could get serious in the near future

holy shit now im scared only last week my Norton Anti Virus Premier Edition decided to shit its self and not update, now i gotta wait for my mate to bring the disc back over to delete it and reload it back on

Thanks for the grave dig guys, it means a lot.

I have a hard time beliefing this...but where is that patch anyway?