Malware writers have created a new worm that installs a new browser and plays screeching music.
The annoyance starts with a link apparently sent by a friend in Yahoo's instant messaging program.
Instant messaging security company FaceTime Communications described the malware, which it calls "yhoo32.explr", as "insidious" in a security advisory Friday.
When the link is clicked, a worm installs the so-called "Safety Browser," a program that leads the user to pages mined with adware and viruses, FaceTime said. The Safety Browser uses an Internet Explorer logo to make it look more legitimate.
Malware spread through instant messaging programs is on the rise. However, FaceTime said this malware appeared to be the first to install a browser without the user's permission.
The bug also hijacks Internet Explorer's home page, directing users to the Safety Browser's Web site.
After it is launched, the worm sends itself to others on the user's instant messaging contact list.
The malware is engineered to overwrite instant messages typed by a user, FaceTime said. The infected message can also be changed on-the-fly, the company said.
The screeching music, however, is blocked by Microsoft's Windows XP Service Pack 2, FaceTime said.
FaceTime has posted screenshots of the infection process on its blog at http://blog.spywareguide.com.
Correction: This story as originally posted incorrectly described the action of the piece of malware.
This whitepaper explains the terminology and concepts behind Data Replication technologies and establishes some sizing rules through worked examples. Learn the new paradigm in disaster tolerance—protect data anywhere.
Download now »
Server virtualization is a popular option for dealing with mounting datacenter costs. Another equally promising approach is the use of an Application Delivery Controller. Citrix NetScaler provides a low-cost way for organizations to reduce their server count and accrue cost savings from a reduction in space, cooling, power and personnel.
Download now »
The emergence of WLANs has created a new breed of security threats to enterprise networks.
Included in HP ProCurve WLAN solutions is security technology that alleviates threats from WLANs through:
* Monitoring wireless activity inside and out of the enterprise
* Classifying WLAN transmissions into harmful and harmless
* Preventing transmissions that pose a security threat to the enterprise network
* Locating participating devices for physical remediation
Effectively address data protection challenges, implementing solutions that help store and protect business–critical data while cutting costs and improving efficiency and reliability.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Security Resource Alerts
This white paper provides guidance on how to develop a strategic approach to managing and monitoring logs, a key function required for compliance with many regulatory mandates and a critical defense against security threats.
Download now! »
Learn about the processes and technologies that support security information management (SIM) operations, as well as the business case for SIM. The series examines different options for implementing SIM and gives you evaluation criteria for selecting the best option for your organization.
Download now! »
Learn the strategies, actions, and capabilities that Best-in-Class organizations employ and technologies they choose to obtain superior performance against various security performance metrics. This report provides guidelines for identifying which security solutions to consume as a MSS and defines best practices for choosing and managing MSSPs.
Download now! »
Recommend This
