Tip #4218 - Security Alert: Attention All AIM Users Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
Security
Alert: Attention All AIM Users
I'm sure many
of you out there use AOL's Instant Messenger program of AIM, am I
right? I mean, why wouldn't you? It provides you with a great source
for instant communication between friends, loved ones and business
contacts. Now, while all of those types of communication are loved
by all, it seems as if some new security issues have been identified
within the AIM software. Read on for the important details!
On September 25, 2007, a security issue was identified that affects
several versions of the AIM software. This security hole may allow
hackers to take over your computer as well. If that happened, they
would be able to download other viruses to your system, use it to
hack other users' computers or even access your personal information.
Yikes!
This vulnerability affects the following AIM versions:
To check and see
what version of AIM you are using, open your AIM program, click on
the Help button and then click on the About
AIM option. You will then see a screen that looks like this:
You can see your version number in the middle of the screen.
Now, this attack is accomplished by someone sending you an instant
message with a hidden Internet code. That code is then executed by
the bad versions of AIM, allowing them access to your system.
So, how do you fix this problem?
Well, according
to AOL, the best way to fix this issue is to upgrade to a new version
of AIM, located at http://beta.aol.com.
Once there, click on the link that says "AIM 6."
That is the most current version of AIM and it will help to close
this security hole in the AIM software. Therefore, it will not be
able to affect you any longer!
And, as always, make sure you keep your antivirus and Internet security
software up to date at all times. If you do all that I have suggested
today, you will be just fine.
Until next week,
stay safe out there!
~ Gary
Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail
|
|
