Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

IM-Worm

Aliases :

IM-Worm

Summary

A type of worm that spreads on Instant Messaging (IM) networks.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

An Instant Messenger (IM) worm is a type of worm that spreads in IM networks. There are a few widely used instant messenger networks - ICQ, MSN, Yahoo!, AOL and a few others.When an IM worm is run, it usually locates address book of the Instant Messenger client and tries to send a copy of itself to all contacts listed.

Some worms use social engineering and send messages that trick recipients into running the received worm copies. Some IM worms are even capable of exchanging short messages with possible recipients and analyzing their replies.

Examples of IM-Worm include: