Twitter has been hit with a new kind of worm exploiting Google's URL shortening service 'goo.gl'.

According to TechCrunch, the Twitter virus is using links that start with 'http://goo.gl' in order to spread malware.

In many cases, the message accompanying the infected link says that the users has "just found the easiest way to track who follows and unfollows you".

The virus, which seems to have originated from Twitter's mobile site, tries to redirect unsuspecting users to malicious websites by encouraging them to click on the link. Using social engineering, users are fooled into thinking the link is secure based on the senders' reputation and the idea that URL belongs to a trusted web giant.

A Twitter spokesperson told TechCrunch: “We're aware and have sent out password resets for affected users. We'll monitor the situation in case of further iterations.”

People are advised not to click on a random link, even if they have received it from a trusted source.