Worm Spreading via Skype Text Chat

[Jeff]

PC World reports that computer security analysts are studying reports that a worm may be spreading via Skype's text chat feature.

According to the article, "Security vendor Websense said the worm spreads through Skype's chat feature. Users receive a message asking them to download a file called 'sp.exe.' The executable is a Trojan horse that can steal passwords. If a user runs the Trojan it triggers another set of code to spread itself."

Security experts disagree on whether the worm is actually targeting Skype users. F-Sense states on their blog that there is no massive outbreak, nor does this worm expose or exploit any vulnerability of Skype.

At this point, I've got to remind everyone that you should never click on links in a text chat -- even from a friend -- without asking them what it is. If they have no idea what you're talking about, they probably didn't send you a link; their infected PC did.

This is Instant Messaging 101, folks, so take notes -- there will be a quiz later.

Thanks to detn8r for the heads up on this story.

[PolarBearNPR]

Thank you both! I still haven't passed 101 and am always grateful for help studying for the quiz. BBB certainly has some wonderful teachers and study buddies. ;)

[Google Guru]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll watch for that.