Thirtyseven4 Reports Internet Worm Conficker Still Wreaking Havoc in School Systems Two Years Later

MEDINA, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Antivirus and security firm Thirtyseven4, LLC cautions that despite two-year-old, readily available virus definitions for I-Worm.Kido (Conficker), Conficker remains a serious threat to school systems across the United States.   First detected back in November 2008, Conficker (an Internet Worm targeting PCs) has infected millions of computers worldwide and is still running rampant.  

According to data collected by Thirtyseven4, it is estimated that over six percent of schools in the U.S. continue to battle with Conficker on a daily basis, with approximately twenty percent of PC-based school systems admitting to having dealt with or having seen Conficker activity over the course of this year.   "Conficker propagates in a variety of ways, including exploiting Windows vulnerabilities, traveling over network shares and using removable devices.  By its aggressive spreading nature, it's no surprise Conficker finds its way into so many school systems," said Steven Sundermeier, Owner of Thirtyseven4, LLC.  "And what we have found is that network administrators at schools face a challenging task when it comes to keeping their environment virus free from worms like Conficker."  Estimates have found the average downtime caused by a Conficker outbreak fluctuates between six to eight days and in some cases networks are crippled for up to three weeks.  "In general, technology departments are often understaffed, with limited budgets and equipment is not always current:  all major contributors to why Conficker unfortunately continues to thrive," concluded Sundermeier.  

To help combat the continuous threat of Conficker and other problematic malware that commonly plague schools, Thirtyseven4 has custom-built its flagship product, Thirtyseven4 Antivirus, a 5-in-1 protection suite, to cost-effectively fit within tight budgets.  In addition, Thirtyseven4 has made many of its tools and services available free to school systems, including a Conficker removal tool, an Online Malware Scanner (http://www.thirtyseven4.com/scanner.html), technical support and fully functional evaluation licenses (http://www.thirtyseven4.com/downloads.html).    

School districts interested in Thirtyseven4 Antivirus can contact Thirtyseven4 toll-free at 877-374-7581 or online at www.thirtyseven4.com.

About Thirtyseven4

Thirtyseven4, LLC seeks to protect schools, universities, businesses, governmental agencies and home-users with the best antivirus products available.  Thirtyseven4 is an American company built on honesty, trust and value for the customer.

www.thirtyseven4.com

SOURCE Thirtyseven4, LLC