Microsoft Joins Group To Stop Conficker Worm, Offers Reward
Problems with the Conficker worm have become so widespread that Microsoft is putting up $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of the worm's author.
Additionally, Microsoft is collaborating with other industry organizations to form a group to stop the self-replicating worm, which is said to be one of the largest botnets ever created. Among the group's members are Symantec, domain registry organization ICANN, AOL and Verisign.
"Microsoft's approach combines technology innovation and effective cross-sector partnerships to help protect people from cybercriminals," wrote George Stathakopoulos, general manager of Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing group, in an e-mailed statement. "We hope these efforts help to contain the threat posed by Conficker, as well as hold those who illegally launch malware accountable."
