Facebook users threatened by porn-based malware
That porn video one of your Facebook friends shared could be more than an embarrassing mistake—it could be a malware program that has already infected thousands of users across Facebook.
Threatpost reports that the Trojan has infected over 110,000 systems in only two days. The malware posts a link to a pornographic video on a user’s Facebook page and will tag several of their friends on it. After someone clicks on the link, they will be prompted to update their Flash Player, which will then download the actual malware.
“We use a number of automated systems to identify potentially harmful links and stop them from spreading,” a Facebook Inc. spokesperson told Threatpost. “In this case, we’re aware of these malware varieties, which are typically hosted as browser extensions and distributed using links on social media sites. We are blocking links to these scams, offering cleanup options, and pursuing additional measures to ensure that people continue to have a safe experience on Facebook.”
Facebook’s virus safeguards
Facebook has added several levels of security to the social network to protect users from viruses and other malware. The company has teamed up with several cyber security firms to develop anti-malware software tooled specifically for Facebook. These firms include ESET, F-Secure and Trend Micro.
These firms have created software that monitors Facebook accounts for suspicious activity and recommends actions when an account is suspected to be compromised. The tools can install a free anti-virus program that automatically removes itself after the threat is eliminated.
While Facebook has several anti-malware options built into its services, the best way to avoid viruses and other issues is to browse cautiously and follow a few basic tips:
- Do not download software from untrusted sources – Rather than updating programs like Flash or Java from a third-party site, update them through the official websites
- Report suspicious links or compromised accounts – If you see a friend posting unusual links, tagging random people, or other strange account activities, report the post to Facebook
- Keep your computer and anti-virus up to date – Computer and anti-virus software is constantly updated to stop new threats. Keeping everything updated will ensure you have the most protection
photo credit: Facebook – VIRUS via photopin cc
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