Beware Skype Users: Your Computer Could Be Highjacked

Skype users could fall victim to a malicious worm that holds users’ PCs for ransom.
The malware sends the message: “lol is this your new profile pic?” along with a URL that also spreads the message to other Skype users.

The link redirects users to download a ZIP file from hotfile.com, said Rik Ferguson, director of security research and communication at Trend Micro, in a blog post. The ZIP file contains an executable file that installs a variant of the Dorkbot worm. A backdoor is created through “Blackhole,” which is used by criminals to infect computers.

A remote attacker is then able to take control of the computer and install an application that locks the user out of the machine via password or encryption, Ferguson said. The user then receives a demand for payment in exchange for the computer’s contents. This particular bug demands $200 within 48 hours or the user’s files will be deleted.

“This malware is still under investigation and I expect to update the blog post with further information in the near future,” Ferguson wrote. “Until then, please remember not to click on unexpected links, no matter how bleary-eyed you may be.”

Post from: SiteProNews