Fake malware alert
Some users have received the following message through Skype chat:
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ATTENTION ! Security Center has detected malware on your computer !
Affected Software:
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Win98
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Impact of Vulnerability: Remote Code Execution / Virus Infection /
Unexpected shutdowns
Recommendation: Users running vulnerable version should install a repair
utility immediately
Your system IS affected, download the patch from the address below !
Failure to do so may result in severe computer malfunction.
http://www.alertscan.net/?q=update
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If you receive something like this through a Skype chat message, do not be alarmed. Instead, ignore it and block the sender. This is chat spam aimed at scaring users into purchasing an alleged antivirus product.
The purported remote virus scan performed by the site behind the URL is also a fake: it is a harmless movie, not a real scan. The “results” of this fake scan are also false.
That said, if you receive a chat message from an unknown user and/or an internet link that you’re not sure of, please err on the side of caution and do not click on such links.
