F-Secure, a security firm, has recently reported that the latest version of Microsoft’s IM, MSN Messenger 8, is under attack from a new type of virus shortly after its official testing.
This is a new variant of the Virkel virus, which specifically targets instant messaging (IM) programs. Virkel utilizes the MSN Messenger client to send malicious links to all contacts in the infected computer’s address book, subsequently connecting to a server to download unauthorized software onto the victim’s machine.
According to F-Secure’s announcement, Virkel will download and install a virus file named BETA8WEBINSTALL.EXE onto the infected computer. This virus has the capability to steal sensitive information and data from the machine, enabling the attacker to infiltrate the system.
As of now, representatives from Microsoft have not commented on this news.