Post by juju on Feb 21, 2006 19:13:05 GMT -5
Instant messaging software is certainly convenient and very
useful. However, just as with any operating system and many
software programs, it does come with problems. As always,
use your head to prevent incurring these problems. Below are
just three of the latest, there are many more. You may want
to search for other issues to educate yourself and keep your
computing environment safe and secure.
~ MSN Messenger
- Kelvir this is an older worm that has come out of retirement.
It shows up as a link in a message. Click on the link and you
get the worm. Once it infests your system and it lies in hiding
awaiting instructions from the sender.
- Sumon or the (Win32.Serflog.a) is a new worm that's similar
to the Kelvir worm, except it uses an attachment instead of a
link. Once your computer is infected the worm tries to shut
down your anti-virus and program other programs. It can also
prevent you from reaching specific sites where you might find
help.
~ Yahoo Messenger
- The latest problem is a phishing technique that can come
disguised as someone from your Buddy list. Follow the message
and you'll end up on a Yahoo look-alike site where you are
prompted to enter your username and password. Once you've
given that up, the sender can access your Yahoo Messenger
account and possibly other accounts if you use the same login
and password, as many naively people do.
Always use your head, be suspicious if something doesn't seem
quite right, verify senders, have a nice day.
useful. However, just as with any operating system and many
software programs, it does come with problems. As always,
use your head to prevent incurring these problems. Below are
just three of the latest, there are many more. You may want
to search for other issues to educate yourself and keep your
computing environment safe and secure.
~ MSN Messenger
- Kelvir this is an older worm that has come out of retirement.
It shows up as a link in a message. Click on the link and you
get the worm. Once it infests your system and it lies in hiding
awaiting instructions from the sender.
- Sumon or the (Win32.Serflog.a) is a new worm that's similar
to the Kelvir worm, except it uses an attachment instead of a
link. Once your computer is infected the worm tries to shut
down your anti-virus and program other programs. It can also
prevent you from reaching specific sites where you might find
help.
~ Yahoo Messenger
- The latest problem is a phishing technique that can come
disguised as someone from your Buddy list. Follow the message
and you'll end up on a Yahoo look-alike site where you are
prompted to enter your username and password. Once you've
given that up, the sender can access your Yahoo Messenger
account and possibly other accounts if you use the same login
and password, as many naively people do.
Always use your head, be suspicious if something doesn't seem
quite right, verify senders, have a nice day.