Discover new worms attacking Skype

Security software vendors have discovered a type of computer worm that attacks Skype's VoIP application to collect email addresses and send users to a variety of sites containing malware.

Once the device is infected, the virus sends a malicious link via instant messages (IM) to other users in the Skype contact list.

On the blog of Finnish security firm F-Secute, this link leads to a file that downloads a Trojan with the function of downloading other malware. It will then display a picture of a woman with a sexy look.

This link also brings users to at least 8 websites with information about Africa. It is still unclear what kind of fraud or damage the sites like these are, but in some sites posting ads. There are signs of click-fraud scam, said Graham Cluley, Sophos's network security advisor.

In the past, Skype is the target of the virus but most of these viruses do not cause much serious damage and this computer worm may be no exception. ' I think the virus won't spread widely and lasts seriously .' Cluley said.

Some sophisticated IM malware has the ability to generate an autoresponder to trick people into clicking on the link, but in this case, that ability doesn't show, Cluley analyzed. However, it will create a 'not disturb' status line on Skype for the purpose of blocking incoming calls and other notifications, and also preventing users from answering IM.

F-Secure names the virus with the code ' IM-vWorm: vW32 / Pýke.A ' and Sophos, which is called ' Mal / Pykse-A '.

Anh Thu