Automated malware hits Yahoo and Microsoft IM
Yahoo and Microsoft’s instant messenger applications are under attack from malware that is able to infect a PC without any interaction from the user. The malware can automatically infect a user’s contacts or "friends" lists across both company’s instant messenger platforms.
Unlike conventional malware delivered through attachments, reports suggest this latest attack can infect a machine even when the recipient does not open the file delivered to them. According to a ZDNet Asia sister site ZDNet.com.au reader whose PC was affected by the malware this afternoon, it installs itself in the Windows Registry. Once infected, whenever a user visits any Web site, ads that should be displayed are replaced by ads from a third party. Automated malware hits Yahoo and Microsoft IM : News : Security - ZDNet Asia