This April first, don't be made a fool, update your security tool!

Windows users across the globe have been worried sick about the Conficker worm striking this Wednesday, April 1.

Those of you who've been reading my blog and newsletters for some time (over 5 years now can you believe it!) know that I'm not the chicken little, sky is falling type, but this time the threat level is, as they might say, Orange maybe even RED!

Anti-virus and security solutions providers like AVG, Microsoft OneCare, Symantec, Mcafee, F-Secure, Avast! and others are assuring us that a computer with up to date security and anti-virus software will be safe! But is yours?

What's this Conficker worm anyway?

The 'C' variant of Conficker worm set for release This wednesday, infects Windows machines (XP and Vista) and disables them from getting security updates or patches from Microsoft and other security software vendors. In essence it gets in and closes the door behind itself so others can't help.

While nobody knows what exactly Conficker will actually do, most likely, the worm will be used send SPAM, steal IDs and direct users to online scams and phishing sites.

So what can be done to protect a computer from this worm?

First of all, update your anti-virus software. Especially late on Tuesday March 31st, make sure that your anti-virus program is actually running when you start your computer on Wednesday the 1st.

Secondly, make sure that you have the latest Windows security updates. (http://update.microsoft.com)

Third It's not a bad idea to do a complete backup today or Tomorrow (Mon or Tues) and then leave that backup unconnected when you start your computer on Wednesday.

It's important to realize this threat can't be avoided simply by sticking your head in the sand, Changing the date of your system will not help avoid this worm. Keeping your computer shut off on Wednesday April 1 won't help either. The only way to get past this worm is by updating Windows and your anti-virus software.

This April first, don't be made a fool, update your security tool!

If you're still unsure if you're protected, if you're anti-virus is up to date, what version you have or if your computer is receiving updates from Microsoft properly, feel free to give us a call, we'd rather hear from you before, then after!