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A malicious worm has been spreading quickly among Skype users which may take over your computer and ask for ransom in order to release its content. The worm is spread through a Skype instant message which reads: “lol is this your new profile pic?” followed by a link to the supposed profile pic. When a user click the link, it will download a ZIP file which opens a back door, allowing remote control of the affected PC.

Not only does this worm take over your PC, it also sends the link to your contact list, so the message can come from people you know and trust. The malware can take over your entire PC, demanding $200 within 48 hours to release it and threatening to tell the US government that you’ve been downloading prohibited material unless you pay up.

Skype is already aware of the problem, and in an official statement, recommends “upgrading to the newest Skype version and applying updated security features on your computer”. As expected, they also recommend avoiding links that “look strange or are unexpected”, even when they come from people on your contact list.

So upgrade Skype, update your anti-virus software, and most importantly, use common sense when clicking links. This is not the first or last fake link you’ll receive from a friend, don’t be the one who sends it along.

Source: GFI

Image credit: GFI