Facebook users hit by virus (BBC Website)

[caveman_nige]

From BBC website


The virus tricks users by telling them they're in a video.



Facebook's 120 million users are being targeted by a virus designed to get hold of sensitive information like credit card details.

'Koobface' spreads by sending a message to people's inboxes, pretending to be from a Facebook friend.

It says "you look funny in this new video" or "you look just awesome in this new video".

By clicking on the link provided they're then asked to watch a "secret video by Tom".

When users try and play the video they're asked to download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

If they do, that's when the virus takes hold and attacks the computer.

Guy Bunker works for Symantec, who make Norton AntiVirus, and says there are two ways Koobface gets people's credit card details.

"It can either wait for you to buy something online and just remember the details you type in on your keyboard.

"Otherwise it can search your computer for any cookies you might have from when you've bought something in the past, and take them from there."

Networking threat

The Facebook case is the latest example of hackers using social networking sites to try to cash in.

MySpace was targeted by Koobface in August.

Security experts say people are far less suspicious about viruses on sites like Facebook because you need to be a member to log in.

Facebook won't give any specifics on how many users have been hit by the virus, only saying it's a small percentage.

But they have posted some advice on the site about what to do if you come across it.

"We're currently helping our users with the recently discovered 'Koobface' worm and phishing sites.

"If your account has recently been used to send spam, please visit one of the online antivirus scanners from the Helpful Links list, and reset your password."

[dctyper]

i had this messege sent around 3 weeks ago but facebook had deleted it, so im fine

[caveman_nige]

I don't use any of these facebook, myspace etc etc etc sites at all, so personally couldn't give a toss but I know quite a few of our members do and may be unaware.. Hopefully it will stop somebody getting dicked... I know they are one of the best sources of info for stealing an identity... and employers even look at them to see what their employees get up to...

[bassethound]

not surprising seams like the best way to pass on viruses on a social net work

[Fspiders]

Daughter copped this one about a month ago from facebook it spread it to everyone on her friends list on facebook and email and msn.. Her fault as her AV wasn't up to date, it absolutely wrecked her laptop. It took me ages to clean it out.. Was very close to an fdisk LOL

Regards.

[lolo500]

Thanks. Don't use Facebook but interesting read anyway.