A new worm has hit AOL’s AIM instant messaging
system.
A worm using the "LOL LOOK AT HIM" message header spread
yesterday, and included a malicious web link.
If used, the link allowed the worm to send itself to all
contacts on the user’s AIM buddy list.
The worm has been identified as a variant of the existing Opanki
worm.
Threats to users of instant messaging (IM) services are
continuing to rise, with IM security researcher Akonix recording
over 50 new threats specifically aimed at IM services and
peer-to-peer networks last month.
Included in the posted alerts Akonix put out during May were
seven variants of the Kelvir worm, which is aimed at MSN Messenger,
and six for the Opanki worm aimed at AOL IM users.
IMlogic, another IM security researcher, has previously said IM
threats are going up 50% a month.
