Conficker is a malicious computer software, or malware, that installs itself on PC hard drives through specially written web pages that have been programmed with instructions. It is believed to have infected millions of computers worldwide. The virus was designed to look for new instructions on April 1, 2009.PC World: Conficker D-Day Arrives; Worm Phones Home (April 1, 2009)

There were no reports of malicious attacks on April Fools Day, as was expected. However, the virus appears to have slowly been activated in the following weeks. On April 24, 2009, security experts warned not to dismiss the virus as a false alarm. Conflicker may install a second virus, called Waledac, or pose as Spyware Protect 2009, in attempt to steal a user's credit card information and identity.Fox News: Conficker Worm Finally Begins Attacking PCs (April 24, 2009)

• According to The Early Show, The Conficker Virus was morphing and spreading during April 2009. The virus poses as Spyware Protect 2009, an anti-virus program, charges $50 to "protect" your computers but instead it infects your computer and keeps the $50, along with the credit card information. It is possible the Conficker Virus may self-destruct on May 3, 2009.CBS News: Conficker Now Instructed To Steal (April 13, 2009)

• One way to see if your computer has been infected is that any attempts to access security websites, Symantec, McAffee, Trend Micro, are blocked. Another sign that your computer may be infected is if your computer will not power down. Also, if you can't see all the graphics on the Conficker Eye Chart, which can be accessed online, your computer may be infected.

• Spyware Protect 2009 is a spyware program that is really a cover for the Conficker Virus. The Spyware 2009 may appear as a pop-up ad that claims to prevent the virus. It could also appear in a users' e-mail or Facebook account. If you did sign up for Spyware Protect 2009, you should change your passwords from a secure, non-infected computer and consider calling your bank to change your passwords and issue a new credit card.CBS News: Conficker Now Instructed To Steal (April 13, 2009)

The worm takes advantage of easily-guessed passwords to gain access to a user's computer and spread to other computers.Detroit Free Press: Another computer worm is spreading fast (January 23, 2009) It is not clear what Conflicker C is programmed to do on the computers. The virus was programmed to look for new instructions on April 1, 2009.Times Online: Will PC worm turn nasty on April Fool's Day? (March 23, 2009)

Computers infected with Conficker may be able to be controlled remotely by the hacker or hackers that distributed the malware. However, it is currently unknown what will happen to computers that have become infected. Experts believe that the computers may be used in spam, phishing or denial of service attacks.The News Courier: Computer worm called 'real threat' (January 24, 2009)

Some experts believe the people responsible monitor search trends on Google, and put together special sites with malicious codes. Users are also encouraged to watch out for fake PC scanning Web sites.Times Online: Will PC worm turn nasty on April Fool's Day? (March 23, 2009) There are several ways to prevent an infection of Conficker. Experts recommend the following strategies. The first is to make sure that the version of Windows running on a computer is the most up-to-date, and any patches offered have been installed. Second, a good virus software program that is updated regularly can help prevent infection. Third, individuals should use passwords that are hard to guess, not common words or names of family members or friends. The US Government has also issued a bulletin on how to disable auto-run features in Microsoft, which will prevent Conficker from running automatically.The News Courier: Computer worm called 'real threat' (January 24, 2009) YouTube Video: Protecting Against the Conficker Worm (Time: 2:59) US Cert.gov: Technical Cyber Security Alert TA09-020A

If the computer is already infected, access to security Web sites could be blocked and it might no longer be possible to update Windows with new patches. A Conflicker removal tool can then be downloaded from another uninfected computer or Windows can be reinstalled.Symantec: Conficker - April 1st Virus (March 31, 2009) Fox News: Conficker Worm Quiet, Threat Remains (April 1, 2009)