Conficker – How To Remove Conficker Virus From Computer

How to remove Conficker Virus From Windows Computer?

In November 2008, a computer worm Conficker was detected when it attacked a number of Windows operating system. The Conficker Virus infected around 9 million computers which grew to 15 million by the end of 2009.

From then the Conficker Windows 7 became a common threat attack which continued till 2016. The odd 8-years legacy of Coinflicker worm source code has infected millions of Windows computers.

But, after 2016, there was no report on Conficker virus download until now. Suddenly a version of the virus named Conficker worm 2018, Conflicker 2018 and Conflicker 2019 is surfing worldwide all over the internet.

Previously, when it attacked computers, Windows 7 was mostly targetted but with the above new versions, the virus is back to infect the latest Windows 10 operating system.

Though the cybersecurity experts are aware of its presence. Big companies, organizations, health centers, data centers, government, etc. are all working on their cybersecurity tools, tricks and defenses.

But what about the computers in the home?

Here at HTRI, we will walk you through a virus removal guide to delete Conflicker virus from your any Windows operating system permanently.

At the end of the article, we’ll suggest a Conficker virus removal tool that will make Conficker detection easy before it tries to enter and hide into your computer.

What is Conficker Virus?

Also, known as downadup or kido, it is a critical data encrypting threat that infiltrates the security-vulnerable system secretly and corrupts valuable files and deletes system’s backup with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithm.

It starts infects by sending the exploit code to the system and modify Windows registry settings by manipulating various functionalities on your hard drive and locks down the entire system.

When it enters, it will create a copy of itself in C:\Windows\System32 folder and it creates a random file with .DLL file extension or in other case it might also create many other copies in locations like “%programfiles%\internet explorer” or “%ProgramFiles%\Movie Maker” folders.

It creates a windows service to initiate the “.DLL”. Every time you turn on your computer, this service automatically runs itself and the system starts to behave in an unusual manner.

This infection changes a variety of settings and it will authorize the connection to other servers without your consent which can lead to installation of another malware or the hackers can control your computer remotely.

Conficker Virus – Distribution Techniques

Here are some other distribution techniques which cybercriminals opt to inject malicious content in the targeted system:

• Spam emails
• Social clickjacking
• Pirated and free software’s
• Torrents & P2P File Sharing
• Fake advertisement’s or download portals, etc.

Cybercriminals via these threats steal information like IP address, URL’s Search, browser history, search queries, username, ID, passwords, banking information, and ATM Card information.

This personal information, later, may be sold to third parties which can lead to serious privacy violations, financial loss or even theft.

Once it enters in your computer, you will not be able to access various secured websites like Microsoft.com or any other security websites, it blocks the access to all such security websites so that you cannot download the removal software.

Antiviruses detected this virus with various names:

• Net-Worm.Win32.Kido
• W32/Conficker.worm.gen
• Worm.Conficker
• W32.Downadup
• W32/Downadup.AL
• W32/Confick-A
• Win32/Conficker.A
• Mal/Conficker
• Worm:Win32/Conficker.B
• Win32.Worm.Downadup.Gen

It removes all the system restore points so that you cannot restore your computer to the previous date when your system used to work properly.

Also, Read: Rietspoof Malware Spreads via Facebook and Skype Messenger

What Does The Conficker Virus Do?

Here is a list what Conficker can do to your system:

• Disable important services and security products such as Windows Defender, Windows Update and Microsoft Security Essentials.
• Downloads arbitrary files.
• Prevents you from visiting websites that allow you to download security updates for your computer.
• It will change your browser settings, which makes it nearly impossible to reach the desired websites.
• Automatic software updates are disabled.
• It will initially bypass your regular antivirus and then disable it creating a path for other malwares.
• Services similar to original windows services are created like “svchost.exe,” so that you cannot differentiate between the genuine and malicious services just by seeing them.

How To Remove Conficker Virus Manually

Somehow this adware enters into your computer and successfully infiltrates the security vulnerabilities of your computer’s operating system. There are high chances that it could have installed other malicious file and programs in the computer without letting you know.

Therefore, the below steps will help you to remove Conficker virus files and programs that entered via adware as freeware and bundling.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC together to open Task Manager. Look for suspicious files, right click on it and click End Task.
• Now, press Windows key + R to open RUN box window. Type appwiz.cpl on it, this opens Programs and Features window.

• Select each suspicious program and uninstall it one by one. Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer and again redirect yourself to Programs and Features window to check whether the application is present or not.

Also, Read: How to Remove GreyEnergy Malware from your Computer

Reset Browser Settings

Resetting browser is a good option because it gives you a chance to delete all the manipulated settings done by the browser. Below steps will help to reset Chrome and Firefox settings.

Remove Coficker Virus from Chrome

• Click three dots on Chrome Window.
• Select Settings, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
• Again scroll down to the end, click Restore settings to their original defaults > Reset Settings.

Remove Conficker Virus from Firefox

• Open Firefox Menu (in the right corner of the Window)
• Select Help > Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox > Finish.
• You can also try Safe Mode to disable the add-on.

The processes are too-lengthy, manual methods are stepwise techniques whose execution needs technical knowledge and more time. Therefore, we suggest you to use computer security tools that are capable to remove the virus.

Adware attackers are very advanced and had learned to gain illegal access to the computer. More than that, they make their malware more adaptable, resilient and damaging. It is impossible to stop cyberwarfare and cyberterrorism by common antivirus software.

Thus, the best preventive step is to upgrade our cyber defense systems at home and office computers with those cybersecurity tools that provide real-time protection feature, quarantine feature, web protection and anti-exploit technology.

NOTE: If your computer doesn’t have such security software, then download ITL Total Security and Malware Crusher to prevent malware attacks on your system. Both are reputable, vigilant and robust in creating a shield 24X7 against any cyberthreat.

These tools are highly recommended if you are willing to give advanced security to your PC. Their 5-minute function could be a savior for your computer!

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System: