Skype Users are Under Virus Attack

Skype has warned its users to be wary of opening virus-infected links after thousands of Skype users were affected worldwide this week.

The virus is called W32/Ramex.A and it uses Skype's public Application Program Interface (API) to access the PC.

W32/Ramex.A spreads via chat messages that may be received either from the user's contact list or from the unknown Skype users. The message includes an Internet link which leads to a virus file. When a Skype user opens the link, the Windows Run/Save box will show up and will ask for permission to save or run a .scr file. This file is a nasty virus file and should not be installed in any way. Once it is executed, W32/Ramex.A will overrun Explorer setting as well as many other system files.

Skype users whose computers are infected with W32/Ramex.A will send a chat message to other Skype users asking them to click on an infected web link. Unfortunately, Skype cannot block this spreading virus because it thinks that the received link in the message is just a JPEG file.

Skype is already in contact with the leading anti-virus program companies regarding W32/Ramex.A, and they're updating their software to prevent this worm from spreading.

Don't forget to keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware solutions up-to-date with the latest virus definitions in order to avoid getting infected with W32/Ramex.A.