[User-Luser]

Hackers building 'botnet' with AOL instant messaging worm
Sep 20 4:33 PM US/Eastern

Hackers using computer worms sneakily implanted via America Online (AOL) instant messages were building a potentially evil "botnet," a Silicon Valley Internet security firm said.

FaceTime security specialists advised users not to open any files sent to them via AIM.

FaceTime Security Labs identified the worm as "W32.pipeline" and said the executable software tricked its way into people's computers by posing as a picture attached to an instant message from someone on their AOL "buddy list."

Once in computers, the worms open the doors to download infectious software that essentially lets those behind the invasion take control of the machines, according to FaceTime.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/0....a3x01c17.html

I don't use AIM, but I figured some of you do.

[Mehntswx]

hmmm, lets see. Fedora Core Linux, GAIM IM client. Vulnerable, I think not.

[petrarkaponye]

I use Suse Linux and Windows so I'm only half screwed, cept I don't use IM all that much and I use Gaim for windows as well.

[BopeDolaNeone]

I find IM for realtime communication purposes the most annoying thng in the world.
Plus with my horrible spelling people think I have a speech impediment.

[lopaayd]

My babysitter kept downloading AIM on my pc last summer and I started crashing all the time AOL=666

[tpdirorg]

My babysitter kept downloading AIM on my pc last summer and I started crashing all the time AOL=666

If someone was installing software onto my personal PCs without my explicit permission they would get my boot in their *****. This is a perfect example why username/passwords should be mandatory on home PCs IMO.

[usaguedriedax]

I'd love to say something semi-intelligent in here right now, but unfortunately I haven't a clue what any of you are talking about.

(I just have never posted in Tech Talk; so I wanted to. You guys are too smart for me to keep up. )