Spim

Spam sent via instant messaging services

Spim, or messaging spam, is spam sent via instant messaging services such as Yahoo! Messenger, AIM or Windows Live Messenger.

Spim is a popular way to spread malware, usually by tricking the user into clicking on a malicious URL in the message.

An effective countermeasure against spim is to only allow messages from people in one's contact list. There also exist software solutions that attempt to block spim.

Quick Links

Poll
The Japanese government is reported to have commissioned a 'defensive virus'. Is 'defensive' malware ever a good idea?
Yes
No
I don't know
Leave a comment
View 11 comments

99 Subscription Promo

Virus Bulletin
In this month's magazine:
  • Living the meme
  • If Svar is the answer...
  • Static analysis of mobile malware
  • And the devil is six: the security consequences of the switch to IPv6
  • Behind enemy lines: reporting from the CCC 28C3 Congress
Virus Bulletin 02 2012
Subscribe now!

Virus Bulletin currently has 224,238 registered users.