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Photo Credit: On File

Everything you need to know about a new Facebook virus that has started doing the rounds in South Africa.

 

Another Facebook virus has been released, unlike any other and it has just reached South African shores. This malware has a botnet-like capability and can post your profile picture along with a URL and a video on your Facebook timeline making it look like your friend has made a video of you.

Users of the social media site are receiving a seemingly innocent message from people on their friends list with a video link attached, which claims to be about the receiver.

But when opened, the video redirects to a false YouTube page where the user is prompted to download a file to view the video.

However, there is no video.

This malware can post your profile picture along with a URL and a video in a message making it look like your friend has spotted a video of you.

“Instead those who do follow the instructions and complete the request unwittingly download a virus which in turn spams the users friends list with the same link.”

These type of Facebook Trojans operate on the botnet principle, and they can quickly become very massive and it’s primary purpose is to steal your information:

  • IP and other System Info.
  • Facebook account information.
  • Browsing history.
  • E-mail accounts and other passwords.

There have been reports that some users have been unable to log out of their accounts after mistakenly downloading the virus.

But there are steps you can take to avoid being compromised.

  • If you receive one of these messages, DO NOT OPEN it and inform the friend who appeared to send the video that their account has been hacked.
  • If you do find that your Facebook profile has been compromised by the scam, you need to secure your account as soon as possible.
  • Be sure to change your password and run an activity check to spot any suspicious activity on your page.
  • You can also remove any downloaded malware by going into Facebook Settings & Apps, Websites and Plugins & Select Disable to protect your account from unauthorized access of third party apps.
  • It is also recommended to run any anti-virus or malware programs to rid your device of any bugs that may have been downloaded to your system as a result of the download.

Sources: Facebook
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

4 comments

  1. There are so many Viruses available on Facebook. The reason behind our Phone is hanged. Resident Virus, Multipartite Virus, Polymorphic Virus, Overwrite Virus and many more virus which reach harm to our phone.

  2. It is very common and easy to get attacked with the social media, Ans as on the top, there is facebook, so it is becoming a medium to get attacked by the virus with the external link and downloaded documents.

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