Worms flood instant messaging networks~~ computers become zombies... rival virus-writing gangs...

new Scientist ^ | 10:46 10 March 2005 | Celeste Biever

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Anyone using instant messaging?

[hsmomx3]

We use the IM in our Netscape browser which is the AOL IM stand alone program.

I'm not sure I understand this but I thought I read that you are vulnerable if you click on a link that someone sends within the IM program???

[MizSterious]

Not me. I found it more of an annoyance for the most part, and although I have programs on the computer for IMing, I don't use them.

[Darksheare]

Shades of 'the great hacker war' of the 80's and early 90's?

[GeekDejure]

Anyone using instant messaging?

======

Here's my response to your instant message -- You are !!! ;-))

[hedgetrimmer]

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

[RobRoy]

bump

[tfecw]

"How a blonde eats a banana"

Ahh, the ol, "How a blonde eats a banana" hook. A classic that has been infecting the computers of 13-year-olds for years.

[rdb3]

A record number of new computer worms have swept through instant messaging networks in recent weeks, turning computers into remote-controlled zombies and sparking battles between rival virus-writing gangs.

---

Doggone Cyber Crips and Binary Bloods!

[BJClinton]

th4t teh sux, d00d

[Darksheare]

LOL!
Back when it happened, it tied up phone lines ad clogged telnet sites.

[firebrand]

computer disaster ping

[Nexus6]

As I type this, I am receiving an MSN IM titled "Wild Anna Nicole"...yeah, I'll open that (NOT)...;-)

[processing please hold]

Instant messaging isn't the same as e-mail is it?

[backhoe]

Anyone using instant messaging?

Lordy, no!

Shoot the Messenger: Close that !@$%! Messenger in Windows...

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

NO!

Are you running Windose XP Home Edition?

[processing please hold]

Yes I am.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

So you do have the Instant messenger feature, which is likely to be on automatically.

Although that may depend on whether you have SP1 or SP2.

Would suggest you change ...whatever... so that it does not start automatically.

Somewhere there are panels to change startup options, not on top of that myself.

[Tabi Katz]

Thanks, Firebrand!

This is exactly what happened to me, right after DLing an instant messenger system. In fact, it's a miracle I was able to get on and read this, as previous attempts have failed.

This may also be my last post in several days, as I'm going to have to make do with a temporary, modemless computer while this one has major surgery.

Pretty soon these b*stards are going to find a way to spread these things through message boards. All that creativity, put to such malicious use.