BELMONT, CA--(Marketwire - May 7, 2010) - Following the discovery of a new and sophisticated Instant Messaging Worm spotted on Yahoo! Messenger and Skype, FaceTime Communications notes that its award-winning Vantage security software is being used by Global 2000 companies to protect enterprise network users from this and similar IM worms and viruses. Brian Babin, Director of Product Management for FaceTime, is available for expert commentary on the impact of IM viruses and worms on corporate networks, including strategies to prevent malware infection, and remediation strategies.
According to industry sources, the NewPhoto Worm uses sophisticated social engineering to trick users into downloading an archive file called NewPhoto024.jpg.zip. A cleverly crafted message asks the recipient to check the quality of a photo attachment ("My printer is about to be thrown through a window if this pic won't come our right. You see anything wrong with it?") or download a similar image. Once the file is downloaded, it executes a hidden executable file that opens a backdoor named Tofsee, Flot, or Skyhoo, depending on the antivirus vendor. This new worm is actually able to block antivirus software from operating properly and uses a rootkit to hide itself. It also adds malicious links to Microsoft Office files and infects USB removable drives.
Vantage is FaceTime's next-generation software solution for the security, management and compliance of real time and unified communications. In addition to providing granular security and policy controls, Vantage is the first security and management solution to support Skype in the enterprise. Vantage provides control and management of Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, and other IM and Unified Communications traffic, enforcing corporate policies against data leaks and misuse as well as providing controls against threats such as unauthorized file transfers.
Editors wishing to learn more about strategies to protect computer networks from IM viruses and related malware attacks should contact FaceTime for more background or to arrange an interview.