New Worm Targets AOL Instant Messenger

A dangerous new worm is spreading through the AOL (NYSE: AOL – news) Instant Messenger (AIM) network. Identified by security experts, it provides hackers with an opening for installing all kinds of malware on compromised PCs.

The W32/Sdbot-ADD worm is particularly nasty because it includes what is called a "rootkit," which is software designed to go to the root of an operating system, circumventing virus protection and firewall software.

When a machine is compromised with such software, it gives hackers the ability to execute remote commands and install anything they want on the vulnerable PC.

Jay Wrolstad, newsfactor.com

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