Microsoft Collaborates With Industry to Disrupt Conficker Worm
announced a partnership with technology industry leaders and academia to
implement a coordinated, global response to the Conficker (aka Downadup) worm.
Together with security researchers, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names
and Numbers (ICANN) and operators within the Domain Name System, Microsoft
coordinated a response designed to disable domains targeted by Conficker.
Microsoft also announced a
arrest and conviction of those responsible for illegally launching the
Conficker malicious code on the Internet.
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“As part of Microsoft’s ongoing security efforts, we constantly look for
ways to use a diverse set of tools and develop methodologies to protect our
customers,” said
Computing Group at Microsoft. “By combining our expertise with that of the
broader community we can expand the boundaries of defense to better protect
people worldwide.”
As cyberthreats have rapidly evolved, a greater level of industry
coordination and new tactics for communication and threat mitigation are
required. To optimize the multiple initiatives being employed across the
security industry and within academia, Microsoft helped unify these broad
efforts to implement a community-based defense to disrupt the spread of
Conficker.
Along with Microsoft, organizations involved in this collaborative effort
include ICANN, NeuStar, VeriSign, CNNIC, Afilias, Public Internet Registry,
Global Domains International Inc., M1D Global, AOL, Symantec, F-Secure, ISC,
researchers from
Support Intelligence.
“The best way to defeat potential botnets like Conficker/Downadup is by
the security and Domain Name System communities working together,” said
Rattray
community that’s all about coordinating those kinds of efforts to keep the
Internet globally secure and stable.”
“Microsoft’s approach combines technology innovation and effective cross-
sector partnerships to help protect people from cybercriminals,”
Stathakopoulos said. “We hope these efforts help to contain the threat posed
by Conficker, as well as hold those who illegally launch malware accountable.”
More information about how to protect yourself from Conficker can be found
at http://www.microsoft.com/conficker. Customers interested in learning more
about staying safe online can visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect.
Microsoft’s reward offer stems from the company’s recognition that the
Conficker worm is a criminal attack. Microsoft wants to help the authorities
catch the criminals responsible for it. Residents of any country are eligible
for the reward, according to the laws of that country, because Internet
viruses affect the Internet community worldwide. Individuals with information
about the Conficker worm should contact their international law enforcement
agencies.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.