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Mass-mailer worm lurks in bogus Skype signup email invite

I just got the idea of searching for IP telephony-related virus definitions on some anti-virus company websites.On McAfee, I found a listing for something called W32/Mytob.
Written by Russell Shaw, Contributor

I just got the idea of searching for IP telephony-related virus definitions on some anti-virus company websites.

On McAfee, I found a listing for something called W32/Mytob.gr@MM.

While this isn't a Skype virus, it is a mass-mailer worm that uses such subject lines as:

  • Skype for Windows 1.4 - Have you got the new Skype?;
  • What is Skype?, and
  • Share Skype.

Then, if they pique your interest enough for you to open the message, you'll read something that goes like this:

Dear user (recipients name), 
Skype is a little piece of software that lets you talk over the Internet to anyone, anywhere for free.
And it just got even better ¡ª download the latest version of Skype:
Our call quality is the best ever for talking, laughing and sharing stories.
You can forward calls on to mobiles, landlines and other Skype Names.
Make calls instantly from Outlook email or Internet Explorer with our new toolbars.
Personalise your Skype ¡ª play around with sounds, ringtones and pictures to show the world who you are.
For further details see the attached document.
This message contains graphics.  If you do not see the graphics,  click here to view.
© 2002-2005 by Skype Technologies S.A.

"Copyright Skype," my butt.

If you've gone this far (don't tell me I didn't warn ya), you will see a list of attached files that could include such troublemakers as:

  • Skype-stuffs.zip
  • Skype-info.zip
  • Skype-details.zip
  • Skype.zip
  • Skype-document.zip
  • Share Skype.zip
  • Skype for Windows 1.4.zip

Don't go there. But if you have, scroll down to the bottom of the page: http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=description&virus_k=136601

Locate the removal instructions and then follow the procedure.

And promise me - but more important, yourself- that, in the words of that classic song from the greatest rock band ever-

you "won't get fooled again."

 


 

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