Conficker Worm, the Worst Computer Plague Since The Slammer January 2003

The new digital plague a worm named "Conficker" infected computers and is the worst since the "Slammer" of January 2003.

Conficker Worm or Downadup Worm:

• guesses network passwords
• guesses passwords for handheld gadgets like USB keys
• as many as 9 million computers have been infected
• unifed infected computers are called botnets
• the botnets accept programming instructions from a clandestine master

Individuals that own or operate the computers may not be aware there is a problem. The botnets are not always detected.

9 million computers? That is a lot of equipment to replace.