April 1st is the reported date the Conficker worm calls home to receive instructions from its botnet masters. There’s a lot of hype surrounding this “April Fools” worm.  Actually, Conficker.C is a new variant of a worm that’s been around since late last year.  It exploits the MS08-067 vulnerability in un-patched Windows systems.  Microsoft issued a patch for the vulnerability last October.

Much of the hype is just that, hype.  Though worms and botnets are serious business, claims that Conficker will wipe out your computer or bring down the Internet are improbable.   That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned, but as long as your Windows patches and anti-virus definitions are up-to-date, you should be OK.  Actually, hype can be a good thing.  It give us a “teachable moment,” an opportunity to start a conversation about Internet security.

If concerned about an infection, McAfee AVERT is offering a special version of its famous Stinger virus removal tool.  The Conficker Stinger is not a substitute for a full anti-virus application, but can help in the removal of the worm.  Click here to download the current version.

Users with accounts on the CFAES (formerly know as AG mail server) that are using Eudora to check their mail may receive a ERROR message when they check their mail on Tuesday afternoon Feb. 17th. This error is the result of enabling SSL, a security protocol, on the mail server. As with other MCSS (Minimum Computer Security Standards), these are some of the standards that we will have to implement, ( just like Safeboot ). Turning on SSL will cause Eudora to post a error message but it should be very easily fixed. All the error message is telling you is that it wants someone to confirm that the SSL Certificate from the CFAES mail server is real. We have created a short tutorial for you to go through to have Eudora correctly setup and ready for Tuesday when SSL is turned on. Click here to see a tutorial of what you need to do to fix the problem.

Well, people have been asking for ways to help with budget. I guess this would be one way that could help. Integrating Skype into your office. You can use it for conference calls with your team (as long as all had it installed) all free. You can use it for one on one video conferences ( all free, you will have to purchase a small webcam ). You can also call regular phones with it if you purchase Skype minutes.  Click Here for a small tutorial if you are thinking about using Skype in your office.

For folks close to OSU Main Campus in Columbus, the Digital Union continues its series of hands-on technology tutorials for faculty, staff and students this winter. Learn about the newest tech tools for teaching, learning and research at workshops on clickers, web design, flash, easy PC video editing, social networking and more. Learn what these tools are and how to use them at the free workshops. The classes take place in the Science and Engineering Library SE, 175 W 18th Ave. Advanced registration is required. Register online.