Microsoft & IT Support Staff Held Responsible for Conficker Virus

Conficker Virus, which has infected millions of systems, continues to spread like wildfire. Naturally, the frustrated users have started blaming the IT support staff and Microsoft for this particular virus.

Unfortunately, in the third week of January 2009, the Downadup or the Conficker worm targeted many businesses across the globe. The worm circulates through a security flaw in Windows system, intriguing poorly selected passwords and also attacking through USB sticks.

As per a survey conducted by security company Sophos, 30% of the total 160 people surveyed said that system authorities should be held responsible for the latest Conficker worm as they were very slow in releasing security patch from Microsoft. The reports suggested that if Microsoft released an emergency security patch, the Conficker worm could not infect Windows systems in late October 2008.

The report also disclosed that Microsoft was blamed by 17% of the survey respondents, who claimed that it was the vendor's fault for leaving the security flaw in the software. Further, more than half of the respondents (53%) charged the virus creators for worm exploiting the flaw.

Further, majority of users said that the virus creators are the ultimate culprit for intentionally making and circulating this worm, which has led to chaos in poorly protected companies.

CEO of Regional Sophos Distributor, Sophos South Africa, Brett Myroff, said that the most surprising thing is that many technical professionals blame their colleagues for not safeguarding their networks properly, as reported by MyBroadband on January 21, 2009.

Myroff also said that many firms are frustrated because of the continuous need to install emergency patches in their networks. As for Microsoft, one out of five people's anger is aimed at the company for not developing flawless software.

Lastly, security experts commented that the fact that users are blaming IT officials shows their awareness as well as their knowledge about security and protection. As compared to earlier users', nowadays people's expectations are high about antivirus solutions and patch management.

Related article: Microsoft Patches Live OneCare to Tackle Quarantined E-Mails

» SPAMfighter News - 1/30/2009