Fake Application Infects Facebook Users

Facebook users once again fall victim to a rogue application that encourages them to follow links. Tens of thousands Facebook users fall victim to the application. The application catch the attention of users as it claims to contain a video of a teacher nearly killing a boy.

The latest Facebook attacks came into the notice of security company 'Sophos.' The fake application exhibits a title ""TEACHER NEARLY KILLS a 13-YEAR-OLD BOY. SHOCKING!" and take control of the victim's Facebook profile page. Moreover, the application spreads through victim's Facebook wallpaper, said Sophos.

If the users clicks on the rogue application bit.ly link, it redirects him to another page that motivates him to "CLICK HERE AND THEN ALLOW" to see the shocking video. However, following of the instructions empower the third party application to gain access to the user profile, said Graham Cluley, Sophos Security Expert, as reported by PC World on June 15, 2010.

Cluley further added that it allowed the third party application to post the spam message on the wall again, as reported by Sophos on June 14, 2010.

After the propagation, the fake application steals personal details of friends and spread malware. It is indeed difficult to ascertain what their next step would be once they have an access to hundreds of thousands of Facebook users signed up, said Cluley.

More than 190,000 people have clicked on the link sent by the fake Facebook application. A search on Facebook discloses that thousands of Facebook users are advertizing the link on their newsfeed and prompt their acquaintances and friends to add the application.

Sophos has advised that anyone who fall victim to this scam should take some steps to remove the application from the profile check and privacy settings. In addition, the user should delete any post from profile so that friends and acquaintances do not click on the link.

Moreover, it would be good if Facebook also take action to cut down the spreading of this spam attack. The security company expressed hope that Facebook would act swiftly to close the scam and other fake Facebook applications.

Related article: Fake Spam Mail Announces Australian PM’s Heart Attack

» SPAMfighter News - 6/23/2010