As the rate of instant messaging continues to escalate, PandaLabs is warning IM users to communicate with caution.
"Malware creators have found an open door in these tools to distribute their creations to an incredibly large number of computers. To this end, they use social engineering techniques to try trick users into downloading malicious codes," explains Jeremy Matthews, CEO of Panda Security South Africa.
A message claiming to contain some photos is the most common way of spreading this type of malware. It is easy for trusting users to accept and open these files, downloading malware onto their computers.
"An example of malware that has used this type of program is MSNDiablo.A. This specimen included a link which supposedly allowed users to view a series of animations of George W Bush. However, the link actually downloaded a Trojan," says Matthews.
Because of the wide use of this type of malware distribution techniques, PandaLabs has prepared a series of tips for using instant messaging programs correctly.
* Do not click any links or download files that come from unknown sources.
* Always use secure passwords.
* Never reveal personal or confidential information in chats.
* Do not disclose your e-mail address unnecessarily.
* Be particularly careful with children's usage of these programs, as it is not only malware that they might be exposed to; they might come into contact with inappropriate or dangerous people.
All users wanting to know whether their computers have been attacked by malicious code, can use TotalScan or NanoScan beta, the free online solutions.
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