We have reported of the Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) related email virus which has been spread around the globe. The virus claimed to be an email from Facebook and usually consisted of a message claiming the user had been tagged in a photo. Now there is yet another malware threat which is being spread through Facebook Chat, Skype, and other IM services.
This new threat has been found on multiple platforms, according to The Next Web. It has manifested itself on Facebook, Skype, Google Talk, Windows Live, Yahoo, and other IM platforms. The first point of known contact was Facebook, which is no surprise as it it’s the largest social network on the web. It appears to have come from a friend of the user, and it usually contains a picture file in JPG format.
Once the malware has attached itself to you computer, it bypasses your Windows firewall, and adds itself as an allowed program on start up when you reboot. It will disable any type of software which might get in its way, including firewalls and antivirus software. It also modifies Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox settings to ensure that it is allowed to run uninhibited.
The safest way to avoid this virus is to make sure any instant messages you receive, which have links in them, actually came from the friend that the message indicates. If your friend does not confirm that they sent you the link, then it is best that you don’t open it. This will help prevent your computer form becoming a victim of the malware.
This virus is only one of many in a rash of Facebook related viruses recently, and users should beware of any suspicious messages or emails. We also reported that Facebook has announced plans for a new program designed to help stop phishing via emails containing malware. You can see that report here.
