Viruses spread quickly through MSN Messenger

A Trojan is being spread indirectly via MSN Messenger messaging software, causing thousands of affected computers along with an increase in the number of malware-infected systems.

MSN Messenger - This time target of hackers

Security firm eSafe has been able to track this virus since November 18 with the method of spreading it with fake image files sent through chat programs, mostly from people in the user's contact list. It is a new Trojan derived from IRC channels that automatically sends .ZIP format files to MSN Messenger's network with 2 different names. Their names are usually used for digital cameras and scanners, for example DSC00432.jpg.exe or IMG34814.pif.

This form of distribution is not new, but this is the first Trojan discovered to be able to penetrate virtual computer network VNC (Virtual Network Computing) and generate a ghost computer network with numerous connections. Its features are quite similar to other viruses, such as password theft and spam distribution. After infiltrating the affected system, Trojans collect contacts to spread further.

Users are advised not to open any files by friends and especially strangers sent unexpectedly.

Anh Tu