I know a number of members use Skype to communicate. And most probably already know this info. But for the less initiated, I'd like to share this bit of info.
Whenever a program presents a warning that
windows needs attention immediately, do a quick Internet search on the warning to see if it’s real. I received the following from Skype this morning, and it is a phishing expedition. Clicking on the link will cause harmful scripts to run. Oh, and several details alerted me to check the validity before doing anything
1. The status bar in Skype kindly informed me that the user had not shared his/her details with me. In other words, I did not have the phisherperson on my contacts list.
2. The affected software list includes software that I don’t own, so it could apply to anyone.
So here’s the very official looking message and link I received.
Do not follow the link.
WINDOWS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
=============================
ATTENTION ! Security Center has detected
malware on your computer !
Affected Software:
Microsoft
Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
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. registryscan.cc/ ?q=scan
<span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">CREEPS!</span>