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Microsoft Messenger Virus Hits Reuters IM
steman writes "Reuters had to temporarily shut down its private instant messaging service after being targetted by the W32/Kelvir-Re trojan. Reuters Messaging is implemented with Microsoft messenger technology and has more than 60,000 users. When activated, the Kelvir trojan sends itself to all users contacts via email and IM. Francis deSouza, chief executive of computer security provider IMLogic, said 'It just generated a flood of instant messages, so it suddenly slowed down the network for legitimate traffic. This is certainly a wake-up call, IM is just like any other communication media. The media needs to go hand-in-hand with security.'"
The user needs to click on a link in the IM message, and needs to click on 'yes' on the XPSP2 warning about running unkown executables.
If I'm not mistaken, didn't this vulnerability get fixed a while ago on MS/MSN Messenger?
VOIP ? Video Conferencing ? Shared Whiteboard ? remote desktop sharing ?
What choice? With XP (both Home and Professional) Microsoft Messenger is installed and running whether you want it or not! In addition, it is a PITA to remove. I think the DOJ forced Microsoft to make it easier to disable, but that of course assumes that the typical user is capable and aware of the need to remove it!
Details here:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/messenger_removal.htm
However, note (from the above source):
In none of the cases below is Messenger actually 'removed' from the system. You can hide it, prevent it from starting, disguise it, and fool the system into thinking it's not available - but it isn't removed. It's still on the computer and a part of the operating system.
While obviously not the main reason most people use IM, some of us do have friends on different continents with whom we'd like to have conversations. Phone is out of the question, and email is too choppy.
IWARS.
People, in general, disappoint me. Politicians even more so.