What's New: New AOL Instant Messenger Worm Tricky

A new worm spreading via AOL Instant Messenger may be difficult to eradicate. Recipients receive an instant message purportedly from someone on their AOL buddy list. The message is similar to, "Hey, would it be okay if I upload this picture of you to my blog?" If the user clicks the link, an executable file masquerading as a JPEG image will be downloaded. Once infected the PC may join a "botnet" or network of infected PCs to help spread the worm, and/or connect to other servers to download and install more pests, viruses, and spyware. Because of the way it connects with serveral different servers, this worm is difficult to stop because disabling one infected server will not work.

Just like with e-mail, ITS advises users to always verify the authenticity of an incoming file attachment or link before opening it.

Tuesday, Sep 19, 2006 10:40 am CDT

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