Facebook users beware! CNN's Errol Barnett files this report on 2 March about the Koobface Worm that is targeting Facebook accounts.
A quick check on the McAfee site reports that the worm is a virus that spreads via Facebook and MySpace. The current variants only target these two networking media specifically.
The worm, once installed on computer through Facebook or MySpace, will start searching for cookie files, and those with logging credentials will be especially at risk!
The CNN news 'New Facebook worm threat' - says that all social networking media are at risk from a variety of Malware (malicious software), but this time Facebook appears to the the main victim.
What can you do to protect yourself?
First and foremost, do not assume you are immune to the worm even if you operate on a very tight net security regime. According to Daryl Johnson, a professor on internet security from New York that CNN interviewed, you are only as strong as the weakest link on your network. So long as that someone else is not as careful as you are, then there opens up a window for Malware to attack your system.
Secondly, run through this list of actions to see if it is helpful to you:
(1) Be cautious about accepting links and attachment downloads from the Web, even if they seem to be from people you know. Nowadays, many viruses are heavily disguised to appear legit!
(2) Run virus scans on your system regularly to make sure it's clean. You can tap on some free viral scanning software provided by Facebook on their Facebook Security page.
(3) If you think you may need more help, contact the Facebook User Operations team immediately.
Bottom line: Do something! Your net security is ultimately your own responsibility.
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Daniel SeetDaniel is a student with Emerson College's Communication Management program. He is a recent convert to the world of PR2.0 and hopes to start a dialogue to broaden his, and other's, understanding of this subject. ArchivesCategories
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