Security sleuths at FaceTime Communications say they have <A HREF="http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5958838.html?tag=zdnn.alert">linked a group of hackers</A> operating in the Middle East to a worm that began spreading last month via America Online's Instant Messenger service. Experts at FaceTime's security unit reported Thursday that the hacker group has seized control of at least 17,000 computers across the globe. The hackers have the capability to pilfer personal information from a computer's hard drive or remotely commandeer a PC to help launch attacks against companies or networks.