april fools pranks

Computer worm is no April Fool's joke

Cyber security experts are warning that a new variation of Conficker, a fast-spreading computer worm also known as Downadup, could attack millions of computers on Wednesday -- April Fool's Day.

Personal computers and laptops already infected with Conficker could automatically be linked to the servers operated by the hackers.

Esteban O. Farao, a consultant with Enterprise Risk Management, a Miami security consulting company, said the worm is not destroying files or stealing data, but it has the capability to do so.

"The main concern about this worm is that it is capable of downloading additional code from the hacker's Web site or through a peer-to-peer connection," Farao said. "Consequently it can bring more functionalities or receive instructions."

Experts say it's unknown whether the worm will cause havoc or merely turn out to be an April's Fool prank. But people can protect their computers by using security software.

Howard Schmidt, a former White House cyber security adviser, said computer users need to download an application of Microsoft software to detect and disable the worm.

Experts also advise keeping your security applications and operating systems updated.

"The most interesting thing about this worm is that every time someone finds out a way to get rid of the worm, it reinvents itself with more rigor and better technology," Schmidt said.

Authorities have not identified the culprits behind the worm or their intentions. Microsoft has offered a $250,000 reward to bring the Conficker creator to justice.

The Conficker worm, which has infected 10 million computers outside the United States, is a program that exploits weaknesses in Microsoft's Windows operating system including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008.

The worm surfaced last November in computers on weak networks such as those in coffee shops, airport or offices. The second variation can spread via shared networks, including removable drives such as USB devices.

This worm also blocks infected systems from downloading new security software or receiving updates for security software. After attacking, it connects to a server where it receives instructions to propagate and gather personal information. Conficker creates a back door in the system where the worm can download and install additional programs.

Albert Whale, owner of ABS Computer Technology Inc., a Pittsburgh company that offers computer consulting services, said experts think the hackers are making money by getting information to send spam or attack people they don't like.

"Hackers spend 24 hours a day perfecting their craft," Whale said. "People don't even spend an hour a week securing their computers."

Staff researcher Barbara Hijek contributed to this report.

Last minute April Fool's pranks

If you’ve yet to come up with an April Fool’s prank or find yourself needing revenge on April 1st , below is a list of easy pranks you can pull off at the last minute. Keep in mind the April Fool’s Rules and let loose with the fun.

• Sure shot. All you need is a rubber band and a kitchen faucet with a spray hose. With the faucet off, wrap the rubber band around the handle to keep it in the on position. Wait for someone to turn the faucet on. Keep a towel handy.
  
• Inactive mouse. Unplug the mouse from the computer. See how long it takes for the computer genius in your house to troubleshoot. This works if you don’t live in my house where the mouse is frequently unplugged by busy little hands.
  
• Ewwwthpaste. Stick a raisin (or other edible ugly object) into the toothpaste tube. When squeezed it looks like a bug…or something worse. Listen for the exclamations of pure gross-out. This one is especially effective of moms and big sisters.
  
• Color enrichment. Add some food coloring to the milk jug. Explain to your kids that a recent scientific study found that colored milk contains more vitamins A(pril) and F(ool’s) than white milk.
  
• Big foot. Stuff crumpled newspaper into the toe of someone’s shoes. A good one to play on dad. Apparently, it’s not just his gut that’s growing.
  
• Wrap seat. Stretch plastic wrap over the toilet seat. Make it as smooth as possible so it’s invisible. Word of warning: a mess is inevitable with this one.
  
• Flipped out. Carefully turn the dresser drawers upside down and slide them back into place. This one takes teamwork.
  
• Correction, please. Another one for the computer geek. Use the auto correct feature in Microsoft word to set up someone’s computer to automatically replace a commonly typed word like ‘the’ with ‘April Fool’s!’
  
• Sleeping fools. If you’ve got little ones try this: after they’ve fallen asleep carefully move them into each others’ beds. They’ll wake up to an April Fool’s surprise.

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