You are working on your computer and suddenly you see a pop up warning you that there are serious threats detected on your computer, or that files are infected and you need remove the threats or run a scan.  Most people will click the button to get rid of the pesky problems. 

DONT click on that button!!!  Use the red x at the top of the message to get rid of the pop up. 

You have what is called the conficker worm and it has installed a fake antivirus program on your computer. I fixed 11 computers this week, all for Realtors, and all having conficker.  Over 86,000 computer users have been hit by this nasty virus, several by visiting a webpage that incorporates wikys.  You do not have to click or open anything to get this malware in  your computer.

The worm spreads via a hole in Windows that Microsoft patched in October, as well as through removable storage devices and network shares with weak passwords. Update your windows software to insure you have this patch.  The worm disables security software and blocks access to over 100 security Web sites. You may experience browser hijacks, searching google may produce links all leading to a third party website, your real antivirus program is wiped out, you can not backup your computer to an earlier time, you can not open exe files. A few months ago this virus led to reformatting for alot of computers. Luckily there are programs now to help. 

If your computer does start acting like this, there is an eyechart that might help you determine if it is the conficker worm. 

http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/infection_test/cfeyechart.html

If you have conficker
Download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware here: http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.htm

Start your computer in safe mode with networking by pressing the f8 key while starting  up your computer.

1. Download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (mbam-setup.exe) and save it on your Desktop.
2. After downloading, double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
3. Follow the prompts and install as “default” only
4. Before the installation completes, check on the following prompts:
– Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
– Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
5. Click “Finish.” Program will run automatically and you will be prompt to update the program before doing a scan. Please update.
6. Scan your computer thoroughly.
7. When scanning is finished click on the “Show Results”
8. Make sure that all detected threats are marked, click on Remove Selected.
9. Restart your computer.

Go check your computers and safeguard against this problematic maleware.