Social Networking Threats
Submitted by Online Computer Repair .com
Looks like cybercriminals have turned social networking into a minefield of threats where one wrong move may have very serious consequences. Long gone are the days when you could avoid being scammed simply by using antivirus software. The more aware we are the harder bad guys are working on fooling us. And let me tell you, their techniques are getting more and more sophisticated! Have a look at some examples of the latest cyber criminals’ creations and how to avoid them.
1. Koobface (social networking worm). It gains
access to Facebook profile pages and directs you to view a video
that then encourages you to update your Flash player. Malicious
files such as flash_update.exe and bloivar29.exe are being
downloaded and installed which results in a range of visible
problems, including modifications to your Facebook profile, with
the immediate result being an error message to contact support.
There is also the very real potential for your identity and
finances to be compromised!
2. Picture files carrying malware are "planted" on social
networking websites and instant messaging programs.
Hackers try to convince you that your friend has sent you a
message or IM to view pictures. Legitimate looking URL when
clicked on sends you to an illegitimate website hosting
malicious files and executables, which have been modified to
appear to be genuine picture files (jpg, gif or bmp). When you
download and open those "pictures"; the malware unknowingly runs
on your computer. It allows hacker to take control over your
operating system as well as the information in it and exposes
you to identity fraud and financial loss!
3. UPS Delivery Threat, also known as Zbot. It delivers an illegitimate file when you are visiting a counterfeit UPS delivery site. Zbot has been known to distribute via email phishing and instant messenger. Upon informing you that you have missed a UPS delivery, the message urges you to view the invoice online, which in fact sends you to the counterfeit website which downloads a malicious program designed to bypass the firewall and then steal banking and personal information.
So how do we protect ourselves against all this and more?
1. Be wary of unexpected IM messages and emails urging you to open or run an attachment or download
2. Run up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software with
behavioral protection.
Keep it running in the background at all times.
3. Ensure you run Smart Updates and Microsoft updates regularly.
4. If you are asked to update to a new version of a flash player
or any other program go to producers’ website and download the
update directly from it.
5. Organizations usually contact you by phone or mail, so when
you get an email call them back instead of clicking on any links
or attachments.
6. Never let your guard down, it’s better to be too cautious
then sorry.
7.
Online Computer Repair .com is
standing by 24 hours a day to assist you with these issues.
