!Warning!

[Big_fat_kiddo]

:eek: A new virus has just been launched, it travels trough MSN, yahoo, aim, and other e-mail/messenger functions. Update your virus scans because this virus will (as they all do) eat away your files once you get it. Its highly agressive and doenst require any activation. :eek:

[Guts]

Thanks for the alert.

I'm glad I don't use those services :)

[LrgrThnLf]

As with all virus warnings I think it would be prudent to post a link to the antivirus vendor site or CERT site, or CVE site etc. talking about the particular virus.

There are indeed worms, viruses and trojans that travel through instant messaging networks, but often common sense, keeping software up to date and keeping a current virus scanner and firewall in place will mitigate this risk.

Studies have shown that an unpatched, unprotected windows machine will be compromised within 4 minutes of being connected to the net if it's on a high speed link.

If there is no specific press release - then chances are it's another hoax.

Sites that can be good to check for current threats/updates etc.
http://www.cert.org/
http://www.us-cert.gov/
http://cve.mitre.org/
http://www.secunia.com/
http://www.sarc.com/
http://www.trendmicro.com/
http://www.mcafee.com/
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ (Note: Pirate users - MS are planning to introduce key checks on windows update from mid-this-year)

If you're a windows user without a virus scanner, there are free ones available. I generally point people to http://www.grisoft.com/ for AVG Free Edition.. not the most slick interface, but it seems to do the job.

Mac users - you should run "SoftwareUpdates" regularly - from OS X this is available in System Preferences. You can also schedule it to happen automatically.