If you get an odd Facebook message, be careful clicking the link they send.
A new scam rolling through Facebook is hijacking people’s messenger, sending fake messages to their friends with a virus infected link.
Every message contains the name of the recipient, the word “video” and a shocked emoji, with the infected link.
Depending on your browser, people who click the link are directed to a variety of malicious sites.
Firefox users on Mac and Windows are directed to a fake Flash Player installer, which infects a PC with adware.
Google Chrome users who click the link are taken to a fake YouTube channel that gives adware.
According to David Jacoby, an IT security researcher:
“The document has already taken a picture from the victim’s Facebook page and created a dynamic landing page which looks like a playable movie. When the victim clicks on the fake playable movie, the malware redirects them to a set of websites which enumerate their browser, operating system and other vital information. Depending on their operating system they are directed to other websites.”
If the malicious software is successfully downloaded, it will cause you to send the hoax message, and it can trick you into downloading more adware which would bombard your device with spam adverts.
Some people even reported that the adware tracked their smartphone’s keyboard activity, recording what they type. That could enable a cyber-criminal to steal bank information or other sensitive info.
It should probably be expected that new, innovative scams appear as the 2010’s decade draws to a close. Not to imply that we live in a time of rampant scamming and it’s never been worse, because it’s probably the same way it has been for a while, just with technology now.
It’s kind of amazing that these scams don’t happen more often. As people need federal reserve notes or whatever other fiat currency to eat, schemes arise from all people who need to eat and are willing to sacrifice morality for money.
(Image credit: DW, Daily Mail)
