09 December 2008

*Not* the Facebook Virus

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.

But only, of course, if they're stupid enough to use Windows (which the story - once again - somehow fails to mention.) Oh, and BTW, it's a worm, not a virus.

Sigh.

Update: At least Charles gets it right.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A mixture of worm and trojan, surely.

Glyn Moody said...

I was being lazy, and quoting the "experts": http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2008-080315-0217-99&tabid=2

Glyn Moody said...

But yes, you're right....

Anonymous said...

By the way, wouldn't e-mails from "Tom" work better on Myspace?

Glyn Moody said...

Good point....

hanum said...

I also infected facebook virus namely "vidyartha college facebook virus". The collage students account network on facebook are changed :(

chris said...

wew..nice information...



thanks for shared..:D