Yahoo Messenger Under Attack! The Hackers Want Your Info!

The popular Yahoo Messenger
is currently affected by several phishing attempts that are trying to
lure users to disclose their private information. The malicious actions
are conducted extreme
easy and are based on an
avalanche of messages sent to the users connected to the network.
Basically, the phishing attackers need only one infected computer to
start the offensive because, after it is successfully installed, it
automatically sends messages to the contacts, encouraging them to visit
a malicious page. This website hosted by Geocities, demands the user's log-in ID and password, its interface being very similar with the one provided by Yahoo's log-in page.



As CNET reported, the Yahoo representatives confirmed the issues and
sustained that the Sunnyvale company will ban all the Geocities pages
that are hosting malicious websites.
If you didn't know, Geoticies is the free service powered by Yahoo that
allows you to create a website in a matter of minutes. Also, the giant
portal plans to create some new filters to block the dangerous links
sent through the instant messaging client.



"A phishing scam was circulating on Friday through Yahoo Messenger that directs people to a malicious Web site
where they are prompted to enter their Yahoo user name and password.
The malicious instant message automatically forwards itself to the
victim's IM contacts. The IM arrives from someone in your contact list
with a link to a Geocities Web page
and smiley face emoticons surrounding the link. When clicked on, the
link opens a page that looks like a legitimate Yahoo 360 sign-in page,"
Elinor Mills from CNET reported today.



Personally, I saw several phishing scams similar with this one but
every time, I ignored them without even clicking on the links. However,
if you receive an unknown link on Yahoo Messenger, avoid opening it
before asking your contact if he is the one who sent the message. If
not, advise him to install an antivirus product to keep his computer secure.