Bonn  - The computer virus, Conficker, continues to pose a threat, according to the German Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology (BSI) in Bonn.

The experts say the C and D variants of the computer virus continuing to exploit a vulnerability in Windows, including an upgrade of its activities to now include the downloading of updates. Conficker used peer-to-peer functionality to exchange data directly with other internet-accessible PCs.

For the first time, Conficker also loaded codes with a direct damaging function onto machines using a program called Waledac that ties infected machines into a Bot network. The particular Botnet is responsible for sending spam mails. The BSI strongly recommends applying all security updates as soon as they are available, both for the operating system and for all applications on the computer. Computers should also have both an active firewall and virus protection program. (dpa)