Worm Targets MSN Messenger Users

A new worm has set its sights on MSN Messenger users, and is currently spreading its way through the network, anti-virus software makers warned on Thursday. The worm, named W32/Bropia-A, attempts to trick users into downloading malicious PIF files. Once a file is executed, it runs a trojan horse that allows the hacker to control a victim's machine through Internet Relay Chat.

The trojan could potentially be used to reveal system information, log keystrokes, relay spam, or steal sensitive data according to security experts. The Bropia-A worm follows a similar attack on MSN Messenger users last October. That worm, called Funner, altered the Windows host file and added pornography and gaming sites.