Chris Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 A Santa Claus worm is attempting to trick America Online, Microsoft MSN and Yahoo instant-messaging users into clicking on a file that delivers unwanted software to a victim's computer. The IM.GiftCom.All worm attempts to dupe IM users into thinking an acquaintance has sent them a link to a harmless Santa Claus file, according to a security advisory issued Tuesday by IMlogic. People who click on the file will see an image of Santa, but what they are less likely to notice is a so-called rootkit being installed onto their system. A rootkit is a tool designed to go undetected by the security software used to lock down control of a computer after an initial hack. The malicious attacker can then distribute messages to the user's IM contacts, using a similar technique to lure the unsuspecting acquaintance to click on the link.More | Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Just what pleasure do these warped minds get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyWhirly Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Thanks for the warning as I use MSN Messenger and to a lesser extent AIM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I don't use these programs at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyWhirly Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I don't use these programs at all.You won't be at risk then :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.