Virus alert at MySpace.

Users of social networking website MySpace are being warned about an infected banner advertisement that may have affected thousands of people.

The deckoutyourdeck.com advertisement exploits a flaw in the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser to bombard victims with pop-up adverts and installs spyware that logs browsing habits.

MySpace has more than one million regular users and internet experts are advising subscribers to watch out for viruses that could be used to alter setting, track movement or delete information. The malicious software, discovered by security group iDefense, has reportedly been on MySpace for around a week and many people with unprotected machines have already fallen victim to it. The website is now working with advertising networks to ensure that the bogus advert is removed.

Users who access MySpace via Internet Explorer and have not installed a fix for a Windows MetaFile vulnerability are at risk. The bug was detected in January this year and Microsoft has released a patch for the hole.

MySpace has been dogged by security problems recently and has been forced to tighten up its systems to protect vulnerable users and minors using the website to talk to friends and acquaintances online.

www.bcs.org