Prevent, detect and destroy a Conficker infection
1. Microsoft included a Conficker detection tool in a security update it issued in late March. It's important that your copy of Windows is up to date with the latest Microsoft patches. Go to update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate (in Internet Explorer) and turn on Automatic Updates.
2. To stop infected USB sticks or DVDs infecting your PC, disable Autorun. Instructions for all versions of Windows are given at tinyurl.com/akrbm2. As it involves editing your PC's Registry, you should first back up your PC and set a System Restore point. If you're not sure how to back up the Registry, don't do it.
3. Make sure you have up-to-date, reputable antivirus software on your machine. Visit tinyurl.com/PCAsecurityreviews to research security software. You can't cut corners here: free ‘security scan' websites may redirect you to sites that infect you. Scammers have even attempted to spoof reputable reviews sites such as ours.
4. Like many worms, Conficker uses random file extension names to avoid detection - make sure your security software is set to scan all files. This should happen by default; to be absolutely sure, open your security suite's user interface and ensure the correct option is selected.
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