Windows Conficker kicks into action, able to steal data from infected PCs; Macintosh unaffected

“The Kido (aka Conficker/Downadup) botnet [has] kicked into action – what everyone’s been on the lookout for since 1st April,” Kaspersky Lab reports. “The [Windows] computers infected with Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Kido (aka Conficker.c) contacted each other over P2P, telling infected machines to download new malicious files.”

“Kido doesn’t only download updates for itself; it’s the other files it downloads which really make the story interesting,” Kaspersky Lab reports. “One of the files is a rogue antivirus app, which we detect as FraudTool.Win32.SpywareProtect2009.s. Once it’s run, you see the app interface, which naturally asks if you want to remove the threats it’s ‘detected.’. Of course, this service comes at a price – $49.95.”

“The latest version of Kido also downloads Email-Worm.Win32.Iksmas.atz to infected systems. This email worm is also known as Waledac, and is able to steal data and send spam,” Kaspersky Lab reports

“When it first appeared in January 2009, a lot of IT experts noted the similarity between Kido and Iksmas. The Kido epidemic was mirrored by an email epidemic caused by Iksmas which was on just as large a scale. But up until now, there wasn’t any firm evidence of a link between the two worms,” Kaspersky Lab reports.

Now, “both Kido and Iksmas are now present on infected [Windows PCs] and part of the gigantic botnet designed to conduct spam mailings. And, although there’s no confirmation of this yet, it may be that sites belonging to companies and organizations which are part of the Conficker Working Group will find themselves under attack,” Kaspersky Lab reports.

Full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: We tracked down two Windows PC users, IHOP waitress “Lisa” and her son “Jackson,” who were exiting a Dollar Store in Anaheim, to find out what they thought of this situation. Unfortunately, they were so consumed with trying to get their printer to work with their new craptop that they seemed wholly unconcerned that it was potentially being used to help send millions of spam emails while also stealing Lisa’s bank accounts and credit card numbers. “We’re okay” Lisa explained. “I just bought that ‘Spyware Protect 2009’ thingy.” Good thing you “saved” so much money on your Windows PC, Lisa. Surely the Conficker botnet operators appreciate it.