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The Truth:
Part of the warning is about a real virus that
appeared at end of 2008. A
December 3, 2008 report by McAffee confirmed that Koobface
remained active on the popular network site but there have been no
updates from the malware protection company on the progression of the
virus.
A variety of warnings
about Koobface have been circulating on the Internet that have caused a little
confusion.
Some of the warnings
talks about a “Koobface” or "Koob Face" virus. Others refer to a
“Knob Face” virus, which may just be a variation on “Koob face.”
The mere exchange of
text messages on Facebook will not infect your computer.
The 2008 Koob Face
virus, however, offered to show you a video. When you clicked the link
you were prompted to update your Flash player---and that led you to an
infected file.
Contrary to the
warnings, it did not destroy your computer, but did install it as part
of a network of computers that stole legitimate search engine results
and redirected them to smaller, less legitimate search sites.
You can get more
information on Facebook security from their security link at:
http://www.facebook.com/security
Additional information
on the Koob Face Virus as well as symptoms and removal procedures can be
found on this page posted on the McAffee web site:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_148955.htm
updated 07/12/10 |
