Skype Worm Unleashed by Hackers Attacking Windows PCs

Computers with Windows are recent victims of cyberpunks, who have unleashed a worm, which is distributed via its instant messenger service, aiming the VoIP talk software.

The latest worm is communicating very realistic bogus Skype Instant Messenger talks while trying to affect its targets. Skype alerted its users about a P2P (Peer-to-Peer) worm capable of attacking Windows PCs on September 10, 2007.

The September 10, 2007 blog entry of Skype's representative Villu Arak further informs that the organization has already contacted antivirus purveyors to check the advance of the worm capable of infecting Windows PCs of Skype users, according to news released by PCworld.com. Arak also outlined instructions for eliminating the worm.

As per additional SpywareGuide Greynets blog review, the malware directs chat communications trying to deceive targets into believing they were inadvertently delivered the file with alluring contents.

The particular link tries to transfer a file with .scr extension meant for screen savers. When clicked open, the worm - also called Skipi, Pykspa and Ramex - initially tries to incapacitate anti-virus software, and then fixes some data thieving malicious software, indicates Symantec's study.

As per the Skype blog, three anti-virus sellers, namely Kaspersky Lab, F-Secure and Symantec Corp, have created remedies for this incursive worm named "w32/Ramex.A". A manual remedy is also outlined, but according to the blog, only specialists can attempt. Five .exe files have to be erased apart from deletion of all hosts file records to restart the anti-virus updates.

The harm perpetrated onto users' PCs by the worm is still unclear. Moreover, Skype's repute has already been tarnished greatly, as it is the firm's second significant reliability crisis within weeks. There was a breakdown of service towards August 2007 end, stretching over a day. That serious event incited much conjecture about the reliability of Internet telephony for small-scale enterprises.

The recent happening will make it all the tougher for Skype to defend its efficacy. For Skype, this worm is a real nuisance, especially since it is attempting real hard to project itself as a serious business outfit instead of an average setup to telephone near and dear ones worldwide.

Related article: Skype Plugs Critical Security Hole

» SPAMfighter News - 9/19/2007