Microsoft Slaps $250K Bounty On Conficker Worm

alphadogg writes "The spreading Conficker/Downadup worm is now viewed as such a significant threat that it's inspired the formation of a posse to stop it, with Microsoft leading the charge by offering a $250,000 reward to bring the Conficker malware bad guys to justice. The money will be paid for 'information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for illegally launching the Conficker malicious code on the Internet,' Microsoft said today in a statement, adding it is fostering a partnership with Internet registries and DNA providers such as ICANN, ORG, and NeuStar as well as security vendors Symantec and Arbor Networks, among others, to stop the Conficker worm once and for all. Conficker, also called Downadup, is estimated to have infected at least 10 million PCs. It has been slowly but surely spreading since November. Its main trick is to disable anti-malware protection and block access to anti-malware vendors' Web sites."

Comments

Typo in summary

[Anonymous Coward]

I think they meant DNS not DNA.

Re:The new business plan

[guyminuslife]

Because no one will ever suspect that the guy with the advanced degree, antisocial personality disorder, questionable source of income, and miraculous discovery of "the real hackers," would have had anything to do with it.

Re:The new business plan

[RINGSMUTH]

Step 1: Russia hires you to program malware for $50K a year.

Step 2: Russia lets malware loose.

Step 3: ...

Step 4: Russia turns you in for $250K.

Step 5: Russia = Profit!!!

Tough room

[symbolset]

The MS bounty program has been running since 2003. Thus far they have paid out only one award of $250.