In order to prevent the spread of a malicious advertising effort that included Windows Live Messenger accounts as targets, Microsoft took steps to block instant messages that include the words '.info' and a few additional key words to protect our customers. The targeted accounts were sent either info or another URL, which led to a website asking them to provide their Windows Live user id and password. If the customer provided that information, the user's complete contact list also received a message with the domain site link. This was not a Microsoft sponsored effort, and in order to prevent the spread of it through our service, instant messages that include the words '.info' and a few additional key words have been blocked. This action may block some safe, reputable sites and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers, however, given the circumstances this action was necessary. In an effort to remedy this moving forward, Microsoft continues to investigate other ways to protect our consumers from this threat.

Microsoft recommends that Windows Live Messenger users do not provide their account information to third-party sites. To learn more about how to recognize a social engineering threat, more information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/socialengineering.mspx. In addition, Microsoft continues to encourage people to follow the 'Protect Your Computer' guidance of enabling a firewall, applying all software updates and installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Additional information can be found at www.microsoft.com/protect.