Worms flood instant messaging networks

A record number of new computer worms have swept through instant messaging networks in recent weeks, turning computers into remote-controlled zombies and sparking battles between rival virus-writing gangs.
In the past viruses have hijacked IM networks but most arrived in email worms such as Netsky and MyDoom. "What you are seeing now is an outright focus on IM," says John Sakoda of security firm IMlogic in Waltham, Massachusetts, US. The company has recorded 26 outbreaks so far in 2005. [thanks to John A]