The most dangerous instant messaging viruses
Most dangerous instant messaging viruses
It’s no secret that viruses and other malware circulated through email attachments are a major problem. What’s less well known is that malicious software can also be spread through instant messaging (IM) applications.
While the risk of getting infected by an IM virus is lower than that of an email virus, the potential for damage is just as great. That’s because many IM programs allow files to be automatically transferred between users, making it easy for a virus to quickly spread to a large number of people.
There have been a number of high-profile IM virus outbreaks in recent years. In 2003, the SoBig virus spread through MSN Messenger and caused billions of dollars in damage. In 2006, the Zotob virus infected computers at CNN, ABC, and The New York Times. And in 2008, the Waledac virus circulated through Windows Live Messenger and targeted users with spam.
The good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from IM viruses. First, be sure to only accept files from people you know and trust. Second, never open an attachment that you’re not expecting. And third, keep your antivirus software up to date.
If you follow these simple rules, you’ll be much less likely to fall victim to an IM virus..Site link
The most dangerous social networking viruses
As the world becomes more and more interconnected, so do the risks associated with social networking. Viruses, malware and other malicious software have always been a threat to computer users, but as social networking has become more popular, so have the dangers associated with it.
There are a number of ways that viruses and other malicious software can spread through social networking sites. One of the most common is via compromised accounts. If a user’s account is hacked, the hacker can then use that account to spread malicious links to the victim’s friends and followers. This can happen very quickly, and can be very difficult to stop.
Another way that viruses can spread through social networking sites is via third-party applications. Many social networking sites allow users to install applications created by third-party developers. These applications can access the users’ account information and post content on their behalf. If an application is compromised, it can be used to spread malicious content to the users’ friends and followers.
Finally, viruses can also spread through social networking sites via phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or messages that appear to be from a trusted source, but are actually from a malicious actor. These messages typically contain a link that leads to a malicious website. If a user clicks on the link, they may be asked to enter their social networking credentials, which can then be used to hijack their account and spread the virus to their contacts.
The best way to protect yourself from social networking viruses is to be aware of the risks. Be cautious about clicking on links from unknown sources, and be sure to install only applications from trusted sources. Additionally, keep your social networking accounts secure by using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about most dangerous pc viruses. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.