resource center
  See your link here
|
IDG News Service -
Users of AOL's instant messaging software, AIM, should be on the lookout for an innovative new worm variously named "Oscarbot-B" and "Doyorg" by antivirus companies.
The Windows-based malware emerged last week, and has made itself a nuisance for its ability to hijack the list of contacts or "buddies" in an infected user's IM account. After opening a window to any one of these contacts with the message "Hey check this out," it invites users to follow an embedded link. Anyone who clicks on this will risk becoming its next victim.
On machines where infection is successful, the worm creates a backdoor into Internet Relay Chat to download and run files on the instruction of the attacker, giving remote access to that PC.
Intriguingly, the attempt to spread via AIM is not initiated immediately, and depends on a further instruction from the attacker to start the infection/attack cycle anew. This might explain why the infection cycle has thus far moved slowly without being widely commented on by antivirus companies.
Although its effects are little worse than a nuisance right now, in the world of malware that counts for nothing.
Graham Cluley of Sophos, an antivirus company that targets business customers, suggested that companies needed to consider whether IM is worth the risk.
"Fundamentally, many businesses will have to ask their staff if they really need IM for their day-to-day work ,and if not, it may be more sensible to take it away," he said. "We're certainly seeing more instant messaging malware being written, although they haven't yet had the same kind of impact as email-aware worms or Internet worms."
IDG.net
Can Heuristic Technology Help Your Company Fight Viruses?
What is Heuristic Technology and how can it help safeguard your business against viruses? Learn more.
Eradicate Spam & Gain 100% Asurance of Clean Mailboxes
Get this paper now!
Effectively Implementing Datacenter Automation
Effectively select and deploy the best datacenter automation solution today!
Mastering eDiscovery: The IT Manager's Guide to Preservation, Protection & Production
Get this paper now!
Aligning IT to Business: The Rising Importance of Application Delivery Networks
Application Delivery Networking (ADN) will play a vital role in helping enterprises incorporate strategic technologies to achieve business initiatives.
Not Just Words: Enforce Your Email and Web Acceptable Usage Policies
Get this paper now!
Security Pathways to Less Complexity
Find pathways to security solutions, possibly peace of mind about your information security.
Mitigate Risk, Lower Costs and Improve Network Efficiency
Create a stable IP network that not only meets today's challenges, but is flexible enough to also meet future demands.
Sign up to receive updates on the latest Security resources
CIO
Computerworld
CSO
DEMO
GamePro
Games.net
IDC
IDG
IDG Connect
IDG Knowledge Hub
IDG TechNetwork
IDG Ventures
IDG.net
InfoWorld
ITwhitepapers
ITworld
JavaWorld
LinuxWorld
Macworld
Network World
PC World
The Industry Standard
Copyright © 1994 - 2009 Computerworld Inc. All
rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium
without express written permission ofComputerworld Inc. is prohibited. Computerworld and Computerworld.com and the respective logos are trademarks of International Data Group Inc. |
