Facebook Toolbar Malware Spam
by Frank Jovine on 05/05/2010 in Scams & Hoaxes, Security, Virus Threats
Cyber Criminals drool over the fact they can target an audience of more than 400 million users. These criminals are getting more sophisticated by re-engineering old threats into fresh and more convincing ones.
This one purports to be a toolbar that makes it easier to connect with folks on Facebook.
The Download Here link leads to Malware. Sophos detects this threat as TROJ/Zapchas-EP. The vast majority of spam continues to market Canadian pharmacies and other Partnerka scams, but spreads Malware predominantly focus on social media.
The people behind these attacks are taking advantage of users who are accustomed to receiving regular emails from services like Twitter and Facebook. This regularity increases the likelihood a user will trust the message is genuine and choose to click the link or install the Malware.
Facebook, like Twitter will continue to be attacked by cyber criminals because of their popularity and user volume.
Surf safely and be cautious of downloading attachments or clicking on links on Facebook and or Twitter.
Jason Acidre
May 5th, 2010
marketers are getting more desperate these days. I also received an email message from “facebook team” before, though the issue was regarding the password of my account that needed to be changed, of course these evil hackers are awaiting for passwords to be emailed to them. they are getting more creative and this must be put to an end (only on social media sites). facebook should make some actions to protect their users.
Raj@ The Positive Life
May 6th, 2010
Hi Frank,
Cyber criminals are really getting very smart, If I would not have read your post, I might would have clicked on the link myself If I would have got any such mail.
This is ridiculous man, Its good that people like you are making us aware of such happenings so that we can safeguard ourselves. Good work, keep it up!!
Frank Jovine
May 6th, 2010
Raj,
I am glad to share to keep people from being scammed and having their computers compromised.
delensof
May 6th, 2010
totally agree with you.
Frank Jovine
May 6th, 2010
You agree with me on what? There’s nothing to agree with. This is a warning to let Facebook users know about a Malware via a toolbar download.
Nice try
Sandrina
May 6th, 2010
Hm, well, this is something new. I might have thought it is a new option for using Facebook and actually click it. Have to be careful.
Frank Jovine
May 6th, 2010
Sandrina,
Never assume anything is safe. Always check everything thoroughly.
dominicthegreat
May 6th, 2010
They are getting more clever indeed. Are these people raking in huge profits from endeavors like these? Whatever happened to clean social media seo strategies?
Frank Jovine
May 6th, 2010
They’re making lots of money. They hit and run off to the next biggest scam.
Bharath Reddy
May 6th, 2010
This really sounds like HIV Promo Ad..”No CURE…only PREVENTION!!”
What do you say Frank? We got no way to FIX this right? So the caption deserves the situation!!
Bharath
Frank Jovine
May 7th, 2010
Bharath,
This is just to inform everyone to be cautious about this new Malware. I haven’t yet downloaded this toolbar to figure out how to remove it.
Andrew@BloggingGuide
May 7th, 2010
As of the moment, I am a regular user of twitter and facebook and I can say that they’re both an important aspect of my blogging life. So, a big thanks for the warning.
Mike @ Computer Tips
May 8th, 2010
Yep, the Malware Parade continues unimpeded. The Facebook Toolbar Malware is just another example of the need to keep your computers secure and use your head when online. Regardless of the computer platform you are using. And then have good malware removal tools on hand should some form of malware slip through and land on your computer.
Joanie
May 18th, 2010
One thing to take note of are the grammar errors. A legitimate company will take the time to make sure that ads are error free (“Download now the new facebook toolbar.” HUH?).
Also “Hi dear friend” was a red flag for me. It just sounds spammy.
These types of errors are good indicators that something is up, whether it’s a download, email, or whatever. Thanks for the post!