A worm that infects computers lacking the latest security patches or updated anti-virus software is spreading rapidly, according to security experts.
The malicious program, variously known as Conficker, Downadup or Kido, was discovered in October 2008.
On its blog pages, online security firm F-Secure estimates the worm has now infected 8.9 million machines globally. However, the Finland-based firm recently suggested that the "worm virus" may be a dud.
The virus does not appearing to be working as intended, according to F-Secure. Chief security adviser Patrik Runald told PA that its coding suggests a type of bug that alerts computer users to bogus infections on their machines and offers to help by selling antivirus software. Instead, the virus is mostly spreading to little effect - though it may still pose a threat to infected computers.
Microsoft released a security patch to deal with the worm on October 23. However, computers that have not had the latest security patches installed – or which lack up-to-date anti-virus software – remain vulnerable.
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