Instant Messenger virus attacks student computers
Officials warn students not to click on random links — doing so may cause the virus to spread to every person on one’s buddy list
A new software package, initially thought to be another in a recent rash of viruses infecting the computers of AOL Instant Messenger users, is nothing more than an advertisement, according to Information Systems & Computing at Virginia Tech.
The link, entitled www.wgutv.com/osama_capture, asks users to install software in order to play a game portraying the capture of Osama Bin Laden. Following installation, the link spreads rapidly.
“Once you install the software, it sends the link to everyone on your buddy list, basically trying to advertise itself,” said Kevin Davis, information technology specialist for information systems and computing.
“This (link) seems to be propagated by people opening attachments,” said Jeff Kidd, public relations manager for the telecommunications auxiliary at Tech. “We try to steer parties away from opening attachments.”
Unlike recent viruses that have infected the computers of many Tech students, Davis said this link is of an entirely different nature.
“This software is more of an annoyance,” Davis said. “It doesn’t fit the standard definition of a virus.”
While the link does not infect students’ computers, some Tech students were caught off-guard by the mysterious link.
“I got the same two links at the same time,” said Jessica Cooper, a sophomore marketing management and communication double major. “One was from a person I didn’t even know.”
Tim Mulherin, a sophomore finance major, said the mysterious link precipitated inquiries and complaints from numerous people on his buddy list.
“People I hadn’t talked to in years messaged me wanting to know about this,” Mulherin said. “It was terrible for a few minutes till I found out what was happening.”
Davis said the link derived from a company specializing in buddy links that allow AOL users to share web games with each other. “We know who makes it and who wrote the software,” Davis said.
Davis said, to his knowledge, the software package is not an attempt by the company to make money. While this particular link is not a virus, Davis still cautions AOL users not to click on unfamiliar links. “We’ve always told people not to click on links they don’t know,” he said.
Davis said AOL users should visit windowsupdate.com to install a new patch released Wednesday in an effort to protect against viruses.
“On Windows machines, it’s important to run Windows update,” Davis said.
Kidd said users should also keep their operating systems up-to-date and create a user ID and a password that is hard to crack.
William Dougherty, technical team manager for information systems and computing, said while Tech is taking steps to make students aware of potential viruses, the responsibility ultimately lies in the hands of the students and the company from which the software or virus originates.
“It’s AOL’s problem,” Dougherty said. “There’s nothing Tech requires that makes students use AOL. It’s strictly an AOL product.”
Reproduced from an article published by Collegiate Times
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