Virus Poses as MSN Messenger Beta

A new virus is taking advantage of the fervor surrounding the Windows Live Messenger Beta by disguising itself as a copy of the beta. Called Virkel.F by security firm F-Secure, once executed it will connect the PC to a botnet server and send a link to contacts on your buddy list.

An infected computer can then be used to attack other systems or send out spam e-mails. The file BETA8WEBINSTALL.EXE will be downloaded off a site that claims the client was "leaked." However, there is no MSN Messenger 8 Beta -- the name has been changed to Windows Live Messenger. F-Secure says to watch for the download link, as it will always contain the recipient's e-mail address.