Elteto.net

The popular chat application is a culprit in spreading worms by exploiting users' contact lists

I was just browsing through some of the IT website articles describing how Microsoft is attempting to discredit the security of the Linux platform. It is rather ironic that I bumped into the latest reports on Microsoft's own MSN Messenger being not only susceptible to the latest in worms, but it even contributes to their spread. While the term computer "worm" generally suggests an e-mail based electronic ailment spreading to one's computer, virus coders these days find that such a misconception can be greatly exploited. Most people feel safe sending instant messages, as they think they are merely exchanging innocent text. Most of the time there is no attachment, nothing to open, nothing to scan, so users chat away happily, not knowing how such a seemingly innocent activity can cultivate the spread of all sorts of digital nastiness.

Check out some coverage at

Computerworld

Newsfactor