Popular Voice over Internet Protocol service Skype has confirmed that its users are being targeted by a Windows worm that sends fake messages to other users.
"Skype has learned that a computer virus called “w32/Ramex.A” is affecting users of Skype for Windows," Villu Arak wrote on the official Skype Heartbeat blog. "Please note that Skype users ONLY become infected after they have downloaded the link and run the malicious software."
Skype also said that the fake messages are cleverly written and appear to be legitimate. The company also added that it was in contact with leading anti-0virus service providers to update its software to tackle this worm.
"Currently, F-Secure, Kaspersky Lab and Symantec have already updated their antivirus products to detect and remove the worm," the blog post added.
Skype's public Application Program Interface (API) is used by the worm to access the infected PCs. Once these PCs are infected messages are sent out to other users.
Last month Skype was affected by a massive outage, which shut down the system. The company said the outage was caused by many users rebooting their PCs after installing a Windows update.
