Microsoft updates Hotmail and Messenger

Windows Live Hotmail 2011

Microsoft has updated two of its most popular online services, Windows Live Hotmail and Messenger 2011.

The biggest improvement in the update is that users will be able integrate multiple social networks and other e-mail via the two services.

Yes, this essentially means you can now check updates from Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn all from one window within the newly updated Windows Live Messenger 2011.

The updated instant messaging client will also allow users to chat with their Facebook friends from Messenger.

Users will be able to use tabbed conversation windows to manage all their chats within one location instead of having multiple windows pop up.

Also, adding favourites in Messenger now filters your contacts to those that matter. In addition users can enjoy Messenger's new improved HD video chat feature.

Windows Live Hotmail 2011 has also been upgraded and redesigned to help users manage their inboxes.

The new Sweep feature is designed to help clean up junk mail from your inbox. With a few clicks through simple menus and actions, Hotmail will discard all messages from a particular sender.

Users can also filter their e-mail with a single click, showing only those that are unread and group e-mails from social networks.

Additionally Hotmail allows users to add accounts from other web e-mail services like Yahoo! and Gmail.

Mac Trojan Horse Boonana/Koobface - Reviewed

A trojan horse has been discovered that affects Mac OS X users, dubbed “trojan.osx.boonana.a” or ‘Koobface.’ An infected machine will hijack users social network accounts and attempt to spread the trojan further by sending out spam messages from your username.

Thus far the trojan has been spread through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and eMail. Here is the method of operation:

The trojan behaves like a worm, by trying to bait users on various social networks to click a link. The link asks “Is this you in this video?” and, if clicked, will send a user to another website which attempts to load a Java applet, giving the user a standard Mac OS X Java Security Alert and certificate request.

If the Java applet is allowed to load, it will download files to your local machine and then start a background process which attempts to propagate the trojan. You can simply click on “Deny” to prevent any further trouble, which prevents the malicious code from loading.

Intego explains the trojan as follows:

This threat is a Mac OS X version of the Koobface worm, which is served as part of a multi-platform attack via a malicious Java applet. The malware itself is made up of a number of elements, though in order to simplify, we will use the term “Trojan horse” to describe it. (Technically, it propagates as a worm, is installed via a Trojan Horse, and installs a rootkit, backdoor, command and control, and other elements.)

The trojan also effects Windows users. The easiest way for Mac and Windows users to protect themselves from the trojan is to avoid clicking dubious links from untrusted sources and to deny sketchy Java applets. Another option is to disable Java in your web browser.

If you are concerned that you have been affected by the Koobface trojan, you can get a free removal tool through SecureMac, who rates the risk as “Critical.” Currently the download link sends you to MacScan, but this is expected to change when the removal tool is released.