Is the Russian Hacker Threat Real? What We Know Now

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses concerns regarding the Conficker virus and its potential impact on computer systems, particularly focusing on the threat posed by Russian hackers. Participants share their personal experiences, observations from news sources, and varying levels of anxiety about the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Opinion-based, Anecdotal, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the threat level from Russian hackers and questions whether everyone should shut down their computers.
  • Another participant shares relief about using a Mac, implying it may be less vulnerable to the virus.
  • Several users mention the Conficker virus's history and its ability to infect systems, with one noting that it can steal personal information.
  • One participant shares that shutting down computers may not help if the virus is already present.
  • Another participant cites information from PC Magazine regarding how the virus exploits Windows vulnerabilities and the importance of keeping systems updated.
  • One participant highlights a news report stating that the virus could be dormant on over 14 million computers.
  • A participant with IT experience lists steps they took to protect their systems, including setting a system restore date and updating antivirus software.
  • Another participant shares concerns about being unable to access antivirus websites, suggesting that this could indicate an infection.
  • One participant humorously compares admitting to having a virus to admitting to having an STD, reflecting the stigma around computer infections.
  • Another participant confirms their system is up to date and feels reassured after checking their update history.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of shutting down computers and the overall threat level of the virus, with no clear consensus emerging on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a mix of personal experiences, technical insights, and reactions to media coverage regarding the Conficker virus and its implications for computer security.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in understanding the potential risks associated with computer viruses and the Conficker situation may find this discussion relevant.

chefshawna
chefshawna
Gold Member
Messages
761
O.k. my computer literate friends out there, should we all shut down our computers and stay off of them tomorrow? What is the real threat from the Russian hackers?? I don't know a lot about this worm, just a little that I read on CBS.com and what my sister has told me, but I am wondering if it is a big thread? I didn't see a threat about this anywhere, so I hope this isn't a duplicate! Thanks!!
 
Last edited:
Makes me glad I bought my Mac!
 
Well, the facts are, no one really knows.The Conficker virus has been around since November and just how many machines are infected is unknown. Infected systems tend to "call home" to the hackers who placed the virus, who can then steal personal info from that system.You can read more about it at Conficker on snopes.com.
 
I heard shutting down your computer and leaving it off till April 2nd will NOT make a diff.

Also, unplugging your PC won't make a diff if it is already on your system. I guess we cross our fingers that everything's ok.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Makes me glad I bought my Mac!
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing!
 
PC Magazine says...The worm weasels into computer systems through a Windows vulnerability that was patched last October, and once in place it interferes with the Windows Update system, to protect itself. So, verify that your system is up to date. XP users should launch Internet Explorer (no other browser will do), visit Microsoft Windows Update, and click the "Review your update history" link. Vista users should launch Windows Update from the Start menu and click the "View update history" link. In particular, you want to see KB958644 in the list—that's Conficker's entry point. If your latest update is any older than March 2009, that's not good. Go back to the main Windows Update page and install all critical and security updates.
 
They were talking about this on FOX news today and said that it's potentially laying dormant on over 14 million computers!!!!!! SCARY!!!
 
Make sure that before mid-night tonight that you do 4 things. When running Windows operating systems, go to the systems programs and set a restore date for TODAY 3/31/09. This way you can at least try to back date your computer which can remove a virus the easy way. Then you must go to Windows Update and see if there are any updates needed for your computer. Only choose the necessary ones. These are usually security type updates that help your system resist viruses. Second and more importantly, make sure your security program is updated as well. Whether you run Norton, McAfee or any of those anti-virus programs, make sure you have the most recent updates for them. The fixes for this were put out by most of the anti-virus program issuers as early as mid-December so... But don't take a chance. Then if you also have a separate firewall, check that as well. I work in IT and we spent the entire day updating our anti-virus programs and firewall programs on 27 servers. There is no such thing as updating those programs to much!
1) set a system restore date TODAY for 3/31/09
2) Run Windows Update
3) Run and update on your security program
4) Run an update on your firewall if you have one.
 
And John, they set their restore date to today...how?;)
 
I guess it's one of those things, if it happens, it happens, but I'm backing up my P3 off of my computer tonight! My photos too! eeekkk... I hope this is an April Fool's Day hoax!
 
Thank goodness I have a mac!
But on the news tonight, they said to try to go to a site like symantec.com or windows.com (like you're going to get an update). If you cannot log on to those sites, you probably have the virus on your PC- because it doesn't WANT you to get the protection and won't let you.Here is what one article on the news said:http://www.wral.com/news/technology/story/4850414/
(on the TV spot, they gave an http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?s_cid=sah- if you couldn't get to microsoft or a virus site like symantic)Lots of computer worms disable antivirus software outright, which can be a tip-off that something is wrong. But Conficker doesn't do that. Instead, Conficker blocks infected PCs from accessing the antivirus vendors' and Microsoft's Web sites, so victims won't get automatic updates and can't download the Conficker removal tools that those companies have developed.So see what Web sites you can visit. If you can navigate the Internet freely except for sites owned by Microsoft or antivirus vendors such as Symantec Corp., McAfee Inc. or F-Secure Corp., your PC might have Conficker or a similar bug.Fixing the problem gets a little trickier.The best remedy is to have a friend - whose computer is not infected - download a removal tool from Microsoft or one of the antivirus vendors. Then that person should e-mail the tool to you.A list of the free Conficker removal programs is available on the Web site of the http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?nANY.RepairTools, an alliance of companies fighting the worm. The removal programs will take care of themselves, for the most part, scanning your system and purging the worm.One thing to note: Conficker blocks infected machines from running removal tools with "Conficker" in the name. So users might have to change the name of the file (one you've saved the tool to your desktop, right-click on it and select "rename") before running it. The program's instructions will let you know if you need to do this. Many antivirus vendors have already changed the names in their removal tools - in some cases calling the file a misspelled variant of "Conficker" - to trick the worm into letting the program run.
 
OK - so I'm just reading this & can't get to those websites. So, I guess that means that our pc has this virus. Is there anything I can do now to get rid of it or am I totally screwed?

Why is it that admitting this is like admitting you have an std? :eek:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
PC Magazine says...

The worm weasels into computer systems through a Windows vulnerability that was patched last October, and once in place it interferes with the Windows Update system, to protect itself. So, verify that your system is up to date. XP users should launch Internet Explorer (no other browser will do), visit Microsoft Windows Update, and click the "Review your update history" link. Vista users should launch Windows Update from the Start menu and click the "View update history" link. In particular, you want to see KB958644 in the list—that's Conficker's entry point. If your latest update is any older than March 2009, that's not good. Go back to the main Windows Update page and install all critical and security updates.
Click to expand...

O.k., I have that in my update history and my last update was March 18, 2009, so I guess I'm o.k. Thanks for all the help!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Russian hacker threat real?

Yes, the Russian hacker threat is considered real by many cybersecurity experts and government agencies. Various reports have indicated that Russian cybercriminals and state-sponsored hackers have engaged in activities that target critical infrastructure, government systems, and private organizations worldwide.

What types of attacks are associated with Russian hackers?

Russian hackers are known for a variety of cyberattacks, including ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and espionage. They often exploit vulnerabilities in software and use social engineering tactics to gain access to sensitive information.

How can individuals and organizations protect themselves from Russian hackers?

To protect against Russian hackers, individuals and organizations should implement strong cybersecurity measures. This includes using robust passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly updating software, and educating employees about phishing and other cyber threats.

What has been done to combat the Russian hacker threat?

Governments and cybersecurity agencies have taken steps to combat the Russian hacker threat by enhancing cybersecurity protocols, sharing threat intelligence, and imposing sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in cybercrime. Collaborative efforts between nations and private sectors are also underway to strengthen defenses.

What should I do if I suspect a cyberattack?

If you suspect a cyberattack, it is crucial to act quickly. Disconnect affected devices from the internet, report the incident to your IT department or a cybersecurity professional, and follow established protocols for incident response. Additionally, consider notifying law enforcement if sensitive data has been compromised.

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