Pandemic worms

WHEN a window pops up saying that your PC’s security software needs updating, the temptation is to click it away with irritation. The story of the Conficker worm (“Conficker: the enemy within”) shows what the consequences can be. This malicious software has seized control of more than 3 million computers and is using them to send billions of spam emails. If this were the only consequence, it might be easy to dismiss. But as its threat becomes clearer, Conficker is a timely reminder that our attitudes to computer security need updating too.