IM Viruses: The next, though probably not final, frontier...
In a world where many people know to lock down Internet Explorer, update regularly, run Spyware/Adware blocking software, etc. it has become harder for malware writers to distribute their handiwork. Then some malware writer came up with another way to infiltrate your computer: IM viruses.
What do they do?
What these little buggers do is get themselves onto your system, and then send out messages to everyone on your AIM buddy list with messages such as "I am so cool", "Check out this funny pic", or other phrases. It then provides a link to the victim where he or she can download the supposed "funny pic" or "cool software", which, in reality, is the virus.
What powers do they have?
They can do as much damage to a system and can perform as many actions as a normal virus can.
How can I protect myself?
Whenever your buddy sends a link to you, send a message back and confirm that they want you to download it. If your buddy does not respond, or says that they never sent you a link, don't download it.
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