FaceTime Communications , a provider of security software for unified communications and Web 2.0, announced that its Vantage security software is being used by Global 2000 companies to protect enterprise network users from the recent bout of Instant Messaging worms and viruses.

Vantage, the new software solution for the security, management and compliance of real time and unified communications, was announced in March this year, TMCnet reported .

The software provides management functionalities for a wide variety of UC and real time communications platforms such as Microsoft (News - Alert) Office Communications Server or “OCS” and IBM Lotus Sametime, public instant messaging platforms such as Windows Live and Skype, Web conferencing and industry focused networks like Reuters, Bloomberg and YellowJacket, company officials said.

FaceTime (News - Alert) officials say Vantage security software also effectively deals with the latest IM Worm spotted on Yahoo! Messenger and Skype.

According to industry experts, the NewPhoto Worm uses sophisticated social engineering to trick users into downloading an archive file called NewPhoto024.jpg.zip. A cleverly crafted message asks the recipient to check the quality of a photo attachment or download a similar image.

The message reads, “My printer is about to be thrown through a window if this pic won't come our right. You see anything wrong with it?”

Once the file is downloaded, it executes a hidden executable file that opens a backdoor named Tofsee, Flot, or Skyhoo, depending on the antivirus vendor.

FaceTime officials say this new worm is actually able to block antivirus software from operating properly and uses a rootkit to hide itself. It also adds malicious links to Microsoft Office files and infects USB removable drives.

Vantage, FaceTime's next-generation software solution for the security, management and compliance of real time and unified communications, provides granular security and policy controls.

Company officials also claim Vantage is the first security and management solution to support Skype in the enterprise.

In addition to Skype, Vantage provides control and management of Yahoo! Messenger, and other IM and Unified Communications (News - Alert) traffic, enforcing corporate policies against data leaks and misuse as well as providing controls against threats such as unauthorized file transfers.

Brian Babin, director of Product Management for FaceTime, is available for expert commentary on the impact of IM viruses and worms on corporate networks, including strategies to prevent malware infection, and remediation strategies, FaceTime said.