Topic: Watch Your IM Programs!

[Midnight Tech]

There is a trojan/virus that spreads by AIM messenger...more information here:http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1897381,00.asp. It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.
I discovered just a bit ago that there is also a Yahoo flavor of it as well.

[Tus-XC]

and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....

[Midnight Tech]

You said it Tus....

[Mr_Tricorder]

Does this only apply to the AIM messenger client, or anyone who has an account but uses alternate clients?  I use gaim, an open source IM client that can use multiple protocols.  I have it log on to my MSN, AIM, and Yahoo accounts simultaneously.

[Midnight Tech]

It was originally an AIM scourge, but it seems to have a copycat version that affects Yahoo as well.
Not sure about Gaim or Trillian...but as long as you don't click on any links you should be ok.
New personal rule: if I get a message I'm gonna make DARN sure it's a live person that sends it and I know EXACTLY who it is before clicking any links.
Click my "dummy level" up a notch....here's MY sign!

[Iceman]

It typically comes from friends you know, as its passed by IMing everyone in your buddy list without your knowledge. Keep that in mind.

[SkyFlyer]

It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.

I've actually seen these for the past three years or so.

and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....

You have to be careful of that too. http://www.google.com

Click that link...








You can do the same thing in AIM. In a sense... "Mask" the hyperlink.

[Mr_Tricorder]

You have to be careful of that too. http://www.google.com

Click that link...

AAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!
Microsoft has hijacked my browser!!!!
just kidding 

That's a nice little trick.  I right-clicked on the link and dlicked "properties" and it told me what the link really was before actually clicking on  it (I'm using Firefox, so I'm not sure if you can do this with other browsers).

[Tus-XC]

It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.

I've actually seen these for the past three years or so.

and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....

You have to be careful of that too. http://www.google.com

Click that link...








You can do the same thing in AIM. In a sense... "Mask" the hyperlink.

i should say that i don't click links i can't confirm... for example i didn't have to click that link to know it was going to take me to microsoft, i looked down at the left hand corner of me screen and saw it there

[SkyFlyer]

It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.

I've actually seen these for the past three years or so.

and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....

You have to be careful of that too. http://www.google.com

Click that link...








You can do the same thing in AIM. In a sense... "Mask" the hyperlink.

i should say that i don't click links i can't confirm... for example i didn't have to click that link to know it was going to take me to microsoft, i looked down at the left hand corner of me screen and saw it there

Yes... But you can't do that in aim. Unless you highlight the link, and the the cursor sit there for a good 10 seconds.

[Tus-XC]

you could also right click on it and use copy shortcut, it should copy the actual url, can't remember though

[Dash Jones]

I'm an idiot...I trust you guys on Dyna all too much and typically if you post a Link I at least take a look...probably should be more cautious.