Computer.co.uk

Try saying that after a few sherberts…

Depending on how closely you monitor computer and technology news, over the past week or two you may have heard quite a bit about a new piece of malicious software which is doing the rounds.

The “Downadup” worm, as it is known, is reported to have infected more than 9 million computers around the world by taking advantage of a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows which has been exposed since October 2008.

While most home users allow Windows to automatically download updates to protect itself, many business and government users such as the Ministry of Defence and a number of hospitals in the UK have been affected.

What does it actually do?

Well, pretty much anything it wants to is the answer.  Once your computer is infected, as well as attempting to infect other computers on the same network, it tries to download yet more malicious software from the internet.  This, in turn, allows remote access to, and total control of, the infected computer by shadowy criminal types from who-knows-where.

Or quite possibly a bored 15 year old schoolboy from Slough.

How do you get rid of it?

Run Windows Update, and get hold of some good anti-virus software.  If you’re really interested you can read up on how it works, and how to prevent yourself from becoming a statistic.