Hackers spread worm via Skype IM

A worm posing as a link to glamour model images has been spread via the Skype IM chat system, it was reported today.

Hackers launched the Pykse-A worm via Skype instant messages. Any recipients that click on the link inadvertently infected their computer with a Trojan that downloads and installs the worm.

"Once it's up and running, the Pykse-A worm attempts to connect to a number of remote websites, presumably in an attempt to generate advertising revenue for them by increasing their number of 'hits'," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "It's another example of the methods that malware authors can use to make money.”

Last year 63 per cent of system administrators said that blocking VoIP was essential in order to protect corporate networks, according to a poll conducted by Sophos. The survey also found that 86 per cent of respondents wanted the power to control the use of the internet telephony service in an attempt to protect their company systems.