Facebook: The Koobface malware menace

Hi everyone,

You may not know about the Koobface malware menace. Since Facebook is growing in popularity, we have to make sure that we Facebook users know about these kinds of security threats.

Koobface, which is an anagram of the word Facebook, is a malware menace that targets Microsoft Windows users who use social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. 

How it works

The viral spread of Koobface malware depends on users who do not take online security precautions when using social networking sites. 

For example, if you receive a Facebook message with the malware, you may be asked to click on a link and download a "plugin" or another program. Once downloaded, the malware gets into your computer, accesses all of your contacts and sends them the same message. The infection becomes virulent at this point. 

Even if you are taken to what looks like YouTube or an Adobe Flash download page, it's usually a spoof -- a trick to get you to download malicious software. 

What about the latest Koobface scare going around Facebook right now? 

You may have seen some messages and posts referring to a video of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, a so-called trojan worm called "Knob Face" and the dangers of adding a friend called "Smartgrrl15". If you haven't, chances are you will soon. 

Although Koobface is a very valid security threat, this posting is misleading and may cause more harm than good. 

One variation of the message may look a bit like this:

There is a VIRUS spreading like wildfire on Face Book! It is a trojan worm called knobface. It will steal your info, invade your system and shut it down! DO NOT open the link Barack Obama Clinton Scandal! If SmartGirl15 .... requests you, don't accept it; it is a virus. If somebody on your list ............adds her then...you get the virus ...too! Please copy and paste to your wall.....

But why is this a misleading post? 

Your PC cannot get a virus by adding a friend to your contact list. Before posting any kind of security threat on your Facebook profile, make sure the threat is real by checking with credible sources. If you don't do your homework first, you will give your friends security tips that may not help them at all. Also, some posts may refer to a virus or trojan worm called "Knob Face"; this is also misleading since the malware menace is called "Koobface". 

What you can do to protect yourself

- Do some homework on online security tips.
- Don't click on any links unless they were sent by someone you know. Even so, take the content of the message into consideration: does it sound like something your friend would write or send? Is the message full of typos and spelling errors? Their PC may have been compromised, so be careful. 
- Avoid downloading anything though your social networking accounts. If you want to download Flash, just go right to the Adobe website. Updates are usually automatic, so don't fall for any update prompts sent through social networking sites. 
- Don't post security warnings unless you have thoroughly researched them with credible sources first.

Always be extremely vigilant.