South Africans are warned about a malicious malware or ‘Dorkbot worm’ spreading through Skype instant messaging.
To safeguard people need need to run the latest Skype version and ensure they have up to date virus software.
The malicious worm installs a ransomware variant that locks users out of their computers, then informs them their files have been encrypted and will be deleted unless a ransom payment of $200 is made within 48 hours.
Many Skype users have already reported receiving messages from friends in their Skype contact list with he words “lol is this your new profile pic?’ followed by a link to the supposed profile pic. When users click on the link a ZIP file is automatically downloaded which opens a back door and installs the Dorkbot worm, allowing remote control of the affected PC.
The worm is inadvertently spread by people who use Skype instant messaging, including one’s own friends who don’t know they have been infected. “Cyber criminals and malware authors exploit users’ susceptibility and curiosity, knowing that people are likely to open links from those in their Skype contact list whom they know and trust,”says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET South Africa, an Internet security firm.
Skype has commented that it takes the user experience very seriously, particularly when it comes to security. “We are aware of this malicious activity and are working quickly to
mitigate its impact,” a spokesman said. “We strongly recommend upgrading to the newest Skype version and applying updated security features on your computer.”
Van Vlannderen says ESET strongly advises users to beef up their antivirus software and to avoid opening suspicious links from friends.
(edited)
All articles edited or written, all photos taken plus all adverts designed by the Editor and printed in the St Francis Chronicle are protected by the law of Copyright ©. Reproduction or copying of any part of the contents of this newspaper and its concept and design can only be done with the Editor’s written permission
St Francis Chronicle 