2:45 p.m., March 31, 2009----University of Delaware Information Technologies (IT) is alerting computer users to a new worm that will become active Wednesday, April 1.

This worm -- “Conficker.C” -- affects Microsoft Windows computers. If your Windows computer's operating system and anti-virus software are up-to-date, your computer is probably not infected. However, IT suggests that all Windows computers be tested for this worm. Apple MacIntosh and Linux computers are not affected.

How to test if your computer is infected

To test if your computer is infected, apply this simple test: Use a web browser to navigate to any two of these security sites.

• McAfee
• Symantec
• Trend Micro
• Kaspersky Lab
• F-Secure
• Avira
• BitDefender
• Microsoft

If you can navigate to two of these sites, your computer is not infected. If you are unable to navigate to the sites, then your computer is infected.

How to remove the worm

To remove the worm, follow these steps:

1. Run a tool called “Stinger_Coficker” on the infected computer. You can download this tool at this University of Delaware site. The tool may require several minutes to complete its scan.

2. Re-boot your computer.

3. Double-click the icon for Stinger_Coficker.exe, then click Scan Now to run the tool a second time.

4. If Stinger_Coficker.exe reports no infections found, close the tool. If the Stinger_Coficker.exe tool reports more infections, reboot your computer and run the tool again. If the tool still reports infections after a third pass, contact the IT Help Center.

5. Manually run Windows updates.

6. Manually run McAfee updates.

To retest, try to navigate to two of the above security sites. If you are able to navigate to two of the sites, your computer is no longer infected.

Remember

To avoid infections on your computer, make sure your computer is set up to download and install Windows updates automatically and to update McAfee software automatically. By doing so, you will prevent viruses, worms and other “malware” from infecting your computer.

For more information about the Conficker.C worm, go to this Web site. If you have any questions or need help determining your computer's operating system, call the IT Help Center at (302) 831-6000.