Microsoft has announced via the Windows Team Blog (LINK) http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2010/11/12/security-alert-active-links-in-messenger-2009-temporarily-turned-off-to-prevent-a-malicious-worm.aspx (http://windowsteamblog NULL.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2010/11/12/security-alert-active-links-in-messenger-2009-temporarily-turned-off-to-prevent-a-malicious-worm NULL.aspx) that they are now blocking Active links in Windows Live Messenger 2009. What that means is that when you are in a chat with someone, if a link appears that you will NOT be able to directly click on it to open the link. If you wish to see the link you will need to copy it from the chat window and then past it into your browser. 

     Keep in mind that not only in WLM chat but in all chat programs there is always a possibility of receiving “Rogue” links that were not actually sent by the person who you are talking to.  If you ever receive a link via chat, you want to make sure and check with the person you are talking to, so that you can confirm if its legit or not. 

     Those who click on the malicious link, will download a Worm (a form of virus), which will install on your pc, and then use your pc to send itself to all your friends links.  As always you should make sure you have an up to date Antivirus.

A particularly malicious worm (a self-replicating computer virus) is currently trying to spread itself through many of the world’s largest instant messaging and social networks, including Windows Live Messenger 2009. We’re very serious about protecting our customers, and are pursuing multiple avenues to help stop its progress. The worm spreads by inserting a link into an IM conversation with a person whose computer is already infected. When someone clicks the link, it opens in a browser, downloads the worm on the recipient’s computer, and then repeats this process.

Normally, when Messenger sees a web address in a conversation it is turned into a hyperlink which, when clicked, automatically opens in a web browser. This feature makes it very easy for the malicious worm to be unknowingly installed on your computer by clicking on the link and being sent to a web site containing the malicious software. We’re pursuing a number of activities to help protect you, working actively with industry experts and law enforcement to help stop this criminal activity.

Most notably, we’ve temporarily turned off active hyperlinks for web addresses sent in IM conversations using Windows Live Messenger 2009. You will still be able to copy a web address and paste it into a browser window if you know it to be safe, but by removing active hyperlinks from Messenger 2009, we’re taking a significant step towards stopping the unintentional spreading of this worm.

Because we’ve now blocked active links in Messenger 2009, starting today, some customers may also see a notification in the main Messenger window warning them that some features might not be available.

(http://windowsteamblog NULL.com/cfs-file NULL.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Blogs-Components-WeblogFiles/00-00-00-53-82-metablogapi/6116 NULL.messenger_2D00_warning_5F00_3E135389 NULL.png)

Messenger 2011 is not impacted in the same way, thanks to its Link Safety feature. However, we are actively monitoring the situation and investigating different approaches to help protect customers using the latest version of Messenger, should the situation change.

As always, we encourage customers to exercise caution with links to web pages that you receive in IMs, especially if the links are to a web page that you are not familiar with, unsure of the destination of, or suspicious of. Malicious software may be installed in your computer simply by visiting a web page with harmful content.

If you think your computer may have already been infected by a malicious worm, check the , please visit the Security TechCenter on Microsoft TechNet (http://technet NULL.microsoft NULL.com/en-us/security/default NULL.aspx), and then download and use the malicious software removal tool (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/security/malwareremove/default NULL.aspx). For additional help with Messenger, check out the Messenger Solution Center (http://windowslivehelp NULL.com/product NULL.aspx?productid=2).