Microsoft to collaborate with industry to disrupt the Conficker worm and offers reward for culprits

Microsoft has announced a plan to implement a coordinated, global response to the Conficker/Downadup worm.
 

Together with security researchers, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and operators within the Domain Name System, Microsoft has coordinated a response designed to disable domains targeted by Conficker.

The company has also announced a US$250,000 reward for information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for illegally launching the Conficker malicious code on the internet.

Microsoft's reward offer stems from the company's recognition that the Conficker worm is a criminal attack and 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, as internet viruses affect the internet community worldwide. Individuals with information about the Conficker worm should contact their international law enforcement agencies.

George Stathakopoulos, general manager of the Trustworthy Computing Group at Microsoft, said: “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. By combining our expertise with that of the broader community we can expand the boundaries of defence to better protect people worldwide.”

Greg Rattray, chief internet security advisor at ICANN, said: “The best way to defeat potential botnets like Conficker/Downadup is by the security and Domain Name System communities working together.”

See original article on scmagazineuk.com