The plan to connect messaging services between users of MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger has been signed as scheduled. However, security experts believe that linking these two massive messaging networks will make them prime targets for various types of malware. Senior officials from Microsoft and Yahoo announced that the interconnection of messaging services between the two networks will be implemented around mid-2006, featuring all the convenient functionalities of a unified network.
However, Jon Sakoda, the Chief Technology Officer of IMlogic, commented: ”The agreement between Microsoft and Yahoo, as well as similar agreements that may arise between other global messaging service companies, will be an enticing target for all types of instant messaging malware. Their infection rates will be much faster and broader than they are today.”
The rate of virus infections through online messaging networks (IM) is currently at an unprecedented level. IMlogic reported that in Q3 2005, the number of viruses infecting through messaging networks and peer-to-peer systems surged by 3,295% compared to the same period last year.
Don Montgomery, a spokesperson for Akonix Systems, echoed this sentiment: ”Virus strains will proliferate rapidly in an interconnected IM environment. The demand for security will increase significantly as messaging networks expand.”
Microsoft’s MSN Messenger is currently the most targeted network for messaging viruses, with 62% of total virus attacks focused on this network in Q3 2005. Meanwhile, Yahoo Messenger faced only 7% of the total virus attacks.
Sakoda noted that while most messaging viruses currently target MSN Messenger, the combination of these two messaging networks will put Yahoo Messenger users at risk of “sharing” the threat with MSN Messenger users.
AOL Instant Messenger dominates the North American messaging market, with approximately 51.5 million users as of September 2005. In comparison, MSN Messenger had 27.3 million users in this region, while Yahoo Messenger had only 21.9 million.
Terrell Karlsten, a spokesperson for Yahoo, stated: ”The top priority for Yahoo and Microsoft is to ensure user security when the two networks interconnect. We will implement the strongest and most effective measures to guarantee maximum safety for users on both sides.” Brooke Richardson, Microsoft’s MSN product director, shared a similar viewpoint.
Regardless, the desire to use a single account to chat across all messaging networks is an irresistible and highly practical need for the entire online community today.
Despite all security threats, users around the world are likely to adopt this service without hesitation. Microsoft and Yahoo have over six months to strengthen user trust in security before the two networks officially connect.