Facebook worm could threaten online passwords
Danish online security firm CSIS has discovered a new strand of malware being spread across Facebook that could potentially obtain user passwords and compromise separate online accounts.
According to CRN, the latest Facebook worm is similar to several threats previously seen on the social media platform. Hackers hijack account passwords and spams the user's friends with a picture of two attractive women. If the recipient of the message clicks on the link for a related screensaver, his or her machine is then infected.
"The worm carries a cocktail of malware onto the machine, including a Zbot/Zeus variant which is a serious threat and steals sensitive information from the infected machine," explained CSIS spokesman Peter Kruse on the company's website.
But although online security experts recognize the popular cybercriminal strategies in play, the malware is still spreading unabated. According to TechTarget, the coding is still immune to detection from a number of commonly used antivirus programs and has taken control of several servers that have facilitated its distribution.
Facebook is aware of the issue and has previously revealed plans to bolster its focus on password protection. However, account holders may be wise to garner further insurance from their own password organizer tools, adding another layer of defense against online security threats.
