Believe it or not, instant messaging services are now just as susceptible to viruses and other scammers.

Since almost anyone and everyone has access to e-mail, viruses now have the ability to infiltrate both your office and home as this popular form of communication is being used by virus writers to spread electronic worms and viruses.

According to a study conducted way back in 2003 by the Internet Security of Symantec, viruses and worms that were spread using instant messaging services have increased to 400%.

The instant messaging worms

Currently, the worms Bizex and Jitux.A are now targeting the instant messaging services of MSN as well as ICQ.

Infiltrating the contacts of a particular user’s IM currently spreads the worm Jitux.A. However, the Bizex worm has an intent that is more malicious, it sends a user a link to a particular web site that have already scanned the computer you are using for any electronic finances or payments.

Since it was discovered, the site has since been shutdown, however it is yet to be known the quantity of data they have already collected, albeit maliciously.

Do not be complacent

Though the major virus threats have already been discovered, this is no time to be complacent. Threats could still continue. As more users know better on how to stop traditional virus attacks, writers of viruses will continually look for other targets.

This is according to CyberScrub president, Bill Adler. And the soft targets are currently instant messaging services.

Yet do not panic

Relax this is still no reason for you to throw away your instant messaging service. Be aware that many viruses in IMs do not automatically propagate. Scan your registry for free at

Usually, clicking a link or downloading an applet is what would be required to download a virus or a worm.

Avoiding these threats require that users constantly be vigilant and always do safe computing.