BitDefender is the first to offer a free tool which disinfects all versions of Downadup and is available for all infected users at: http://bdtools.net This domain is the first to serve a removal tool without being blocked by the e-threat. The worm itself is not new, it made its first appearance late November 2008, known under the names Conficker or Kido as well exploiting the vulnerability described in the Microsoft security bulletin MS08-067. After successful exploitation it used to install rogue security software on the infected machine.

This is mostly from a Microsoft press release, so its more forgiving of Microsoft’s role in designing operating systems that so often become zombies that can be used by spammers or others with malicious intent to make the Internet a less pleasant place for the rest of us. When you consider the damage done by Conficker and earlier threats like NIMDA and CodeRed, $250,000 seems rather low if they really want to use this current threat to set an example to future virus designers.