April 01 2009 - Conficker / Downadup strikes?

Counting down to April 01 2009? No, it's no April Fool's joke that the Conficker/Downadup is going to strike on that fateful day.

But in my opinion, chances are the impact will be minimal. Looking at previous key infections of the century: Blaster, Netsky & Sasser, Melissa virus, ILOVEYOU and Anna Kournikova worm. What does it tell you?

The highest impact rate were not recorded on the day it was predicted to be active, but mostly after. (when people's guard were down)

Here're some Q&A from Symantec on how to get yourself protected.

Breakdown of Conficker / Downadup

This is a breakdown of how the worm works:

A very detailed writeup here.