Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Conficker virus cashes in with spam assault

Ap
Wednesday 29 April 2009 11:33 BST
Comments

The giant Conficker computer worm, once feared as an out-of-control internet doomsday machine, seems to have settled - for now - on trying to make money in very predictable ways.

Researchers from Cisco Systems say some of the up to 12 million personal computers infected by Conficker are being used to send about 10,000 to 20,000 spam emails a day per computer, far less than they actually are capable of. Lower volumes help evade detection.

Earlier this month, some Conficker-infected machines started selling fake antivirus software, using annoying pop-up ads to warn of infections that only the criminals can clean up for a fee, but of course never do.

Cisco's chief security researcher, Patrick Peterson, says researchers are convinced "this is the two-pronged method (the criminals) are going to use to make a fortune" off the infected machines.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in