TECHNOLOGY TIPS - FACEBOOK WORM/VIRUS
Yes, I'm a Facebook user. Once I heard all about the virus (actually worm) that is going through this popular forum, I wanted to share with you some of the latest information out there. Most of this is adapted from TechWeb, but be sure to update and run your security software on your machine. If you don't have any, then go to AVG for a free download.
The name of the worm is the Koobface worm. It was originally detected on Facebook and MySpace in July, and is back in a new form. The worm is menacing Facebook users with
spammed links to malicious Web sites that appear to come from friends.
According to an email from a Facebook spokesperson, "Only a very small percentage of Facebook users have been affected, and
we're working quickly to update our security systems to minimize any
further impact, including resetting passwords on infected accounts,
removing the spam
messages, and coordinating with third parties to remove redirects to
malicious content elsewhere on the Web. Users with up-to-date antivirus software are generally well protected from this and similar viruses."
The company has posted information on its security page to help users.
Spammed links generated by Koobface lead to various compromised host
sites that appear to serve a video. The user is then presented with a
fake error message saying that the version of Adobe Flash installed on his or her computer is out of date. The message prompts the user to download an update. The update, of course, is malicious software.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
