Spyware Warrior

thehabsonice · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject: MSN virus/ bug ???

Hi,

Just last week, I was on msn and my friend sent me a virus! He didn't even do it on purpose! He told me to watch out! I asked him if he had an antispyware or antivirus installed he said no! So that may have been the main reason, but watch out, make sure not to download this virus from msn live messenger! Did anyone else hear about this?
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suzi · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 5:24 pm Post subject:

Yes, there are actually a lot of Instant Messeging worms, and some specifically for MSN.

See here:

http://www.viruslist.com/en/virusesdescribed?chapter=153312410

If someone on your MSN Messgenger contacts list is infected with a worm, the worm will send messages to everyone in their contacts list. The message will have a link to the download the worm, but is disguised as somthing else, like an image. Here's an example:

http://blog.spywareguide.com/2006/09/im_worm_virtual_card_for_you.html

The lesson is don't click on links in Instant Messages. The link can look like it's coming from a friend, but is really coming from a worm.
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Former Microsoft MVP 2005-2009, Consumer Security
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suzi · Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject:

Also, you might want to tell your friend he can get a free anti-virus program. There are 3 good free ones.

http://www.free-av.com/

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Even if you have an anti-virus program running, you still should not click on links in IMs unless you are absolutely 100% sure they are from a contact and not from a worm. It takes a while for the AVs to update detections when new viruses and worms are released.
_________________
Former Microsoft MVP 2005-2009, Consumer Security
Please do not PM or Email me for personal support. Post in the Forums instead and we will all learn. Smile

thehabsonice · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 2:57 am Post subject:

Ok thanks, which one should I tell them to download? Which one is the better one?
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suzi · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 7:48 am Post subject:

Well, I think Anti-Vir has the best virus detections of those 3, but it can depend on what works best on someone's system.

I've used all 3 of those and I like Anti-Vir and Avast better than AVG.
_________________
Former Microsoft MVP 2005-2009, Consumer Security
Please do not PM or Email me for personal support. Post in the Forums instead and we will all learn. Smile