Dynaverse.net

Off Topic => Engineering => Topic started by: Midnight Tech on December 10, 2005, 10:24:38 pm

Title: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Midnight Tech on December 10, 2005, 10:24:38 pm
There is a trojan/virus that spreads by AIM messenger...more information here:http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1897381,00.asp. It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.
I discovered just a bit ago that there is also a Yahoo flavor of it as well.
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Tus-XC on December 11, 2005, 02:15:11 am
and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Midnight Tech on December 11, 2005, 01:40:32 pm
You said it Tus.... ::)
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Mr_Tricorder on December 11, 2005, 07:04:13 pm
Does this only apply to the AIM messenger client, or anyone who has an account but uses alternate clients?  I use gaim, an open source IM client that can use multiple protocols.  I have it log on to my MSN, AIM, and Yahoo accounts simultaneously.
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Midnight Tech on December 11, 2005, 07:36:46 pm
It was originally an AIM scourge, but it seems to have a copycat version that affects Yahoo as well.
Not sure about Gaim or Trillian...but as long as you don't click on any links you should be ok.
New personal rule: if I get a message I'm gonna make DARN sure it's a live person that sends it and I know EXACTLY who it is before clicking any links.
Click my "dummy level" up a notch....here's MY sign! ::)
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Iceman on December 12, 2005, 10:40:26 am
It typically comes from friends you know, as its passed by IMing everyone in your buddy list without your knowledge. Keep that in mind.
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: SkyFlyer on December 12, 2005, 11:16:01 am
Quote
It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.


I've actually seen these for the past three years or so.


and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....


You have to be careful of that too. http://www.google.com (http://www.microsoft.com)

Click that link...








You can do the same thing in AIM. In a sense... "Mask" the hyperlink.
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Mr_Tricorder on December 12, 2005, 11:55:20 am
You have to be careful of that too. [url]http://www.google.com[/url] ([url]http://www.microsoft.com[/url])

Click that link...

AAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!
Microsoft has hijacked my browser!!!!
just kidding  ;)

That's a nice little trick.  I right-clicked on the link and dlicked "properties" and it told me what the link really was before actually clicking on  it (I'm using Firefox, so I'm not sure if you can do this with other browsers).
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Tus-XC on December 12, 2005, 01:08:55 pm
Quote
It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.


I've actually seen these for the past three years or so.


and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....


You have to be careful of that too. [url]http://www.google.com[/url] ([url]http://www.microsoft.com[/url])

Click that link...








You can do the same thing in AIM. In a sense... "Mask" the hyperlink.


i should say that i don't click links i can't confirm... for example i didn't have to click that link to know it was going to take me to microsoft, i looked down at the left hand corner of me screen and saw it there ;)
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: SkyFlyer on December 12, 2005, 02:13:42 pm
Quote
It dupes you into clicking a link that pops up in AIM thinking it's from someone on your buddy list.


I've actually seen these for the past three years or so.


and thus the reason why you don't click links... especially if i don't recongize said link....


You have to be careful of that too. [url]http://www.google.com[/url] ([url]http://www.microsoft.com[/url])

Click that link...








You can do the same thing in AIM. In a sense... "Mask" the hyperlink.


i should say that i don't click links i can't confirm... for example i didn't have to click that link to know it was going to take me to microsoft, i looked down at the left hand corner of me screen and saw it there ;)


Yes... But you can't do that in aim. Unless you highlight the link, and the the cursor sit there for a good 10 seconds.
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Tus-XC on December 12, 2005, 07:01:25 pm
you could also right click on it and use copy shortcut, it should copy the actual url, can't remember though
Title: Re: Watch Your IM Programs!
Post by: Dash Jones on December 12, 2005, 10:32:10 pm
I'm an idiot...I trust you guys on Dyna all too much and typically if you post a Link I at least take a look...probably should be more cautious.