Beware of virus

The anti-cyber virus authorities warned yesterday that a new virus, transmitted by Microsoft's MSN (Microsoft Service Network) instant messaging program, can steal registered users' accounts and passwords.

On computers hit by the virus, the MSN friend list will display a message telling the user's account has been cancelled and recommending a Website where the user can find out who was responsible, experts with the Tianjin-based National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center said.

When the user logs on to the Website, the user is prompted for account and password details.

The Websites, typically ending with "tk", "hk" or "cn," aim to steal personal information, experts said.

Once the illegal Websites obtain a user's account and password, they will log in MSN Messenger in name of the user and send similar fraudulent messages to users on the friends list.

(China Daily 10/15/2007 page3)