Since this story was originally posted, it has been updated to correct the description of the Yahoo messaging worm’s effects.Malware writers have created a new worm that installs a new browser and plays screeching music.The annoyance starts with a link apparently sent by a friend in Yahoo’s instant messaging program.Instant messaging security company FaceTime Communications described the malware, which it calls “yhoo32.explr,” as “insidious” in a security advisory Friday. When the link is clicked, a worm installs the so-called “Safety Browser,” a program that leads the user to pages mined with adware and viruses, FaceTime said. The Safety Browser uses an Internet Explorer logo to make it look more legitimate.Malware spread through instant messaging programs is on the rise. However, FaceTime said this malware appeared to be the first to install a browser without the user’s permission. The bug also hijacks Internet Explorer’s homepage, directing users to the Safety Browser’s website.After it is launched, the worm sends itself to others on the user’s instant messaging contact list. The malware is engineered to overwrite instant messages typed by a user, FaceTime said. The infected message can also be changed on the fly, the company said.The screeching music, however, is blocked by Microsoft’s Windows XP Service Pack 2, FaceTime said.FaceTime has posted screenshots of the infection process on its blog.-Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content BrandPost Stay in Control of Your Data with a Secure and Compliant Sovereign Cloud By Stan Kwong Mar 23, 2023 6 mins Cloud Security Cloud Computing News Accenture to lay off 19,000 to cut costs amid economic uncertainty Technology services giant Accenture will continue to hire but meanwhile is cutting staff to streamline operations in the face of economic headwinds. By Anirban Ghoshal Mar 23, 2023 2 mins IT Consulting Services Technology Industry BrandPost Advice from procurement: How to evaluate and propose new IT investments By clearly defining needs and requirements, evaluating TCO, and performing risk assessments, procurement and IT teams can work together to help their business leaders make more informed decisions for an improved bottom line. By Bo Bradshaw, Edgio Procurement Director Mar 23, 2023 5 mins SaaS BrandPost Why AI is key to hiring and retaining developers Data shows that the opportunity to build AI-powered apps figures very prominently in where developers decide to work. By Bryan Kirschner, Vice President, Strategy at DataStax Mar 23, 2023 4 mins Artificial Intelligence IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe