Phishing App Targets Facebook Users
by Frank Jovine on 03/01/2009 in Scams & Hoaxes, Security
Beware of this sophisticated hoax that tricks Facebook users in thinking they have been reported “for violating our Terms of Service”. The message continues: “This is your official warning! – Click here to find out why you were reported!”.
However, any web user clicking the link will give hackers access to their profile and personal information. Clicking the link also forwards the fake message each user’s friends.
“Fans of Facebook will no doubt be aware that the site has been under scrutiny over its terms of service, and these latest attacks are designed to take full advantage of that,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
The warning comes just days after it was reported that a number of users of the social network were downloading the ‘Error Check System’ program that sent messages to a user’s friends claiming they had problems viewing their profile.
“One of the problems is that Facebook allows anybody to write an application, and third-party applications are not vetted before they are made available to the public. So, even as Facebook stamps out one malicious application, another can pop up like a poisoned mushroom with a different name.”
Facebook has since removed the application, but there are reports that similar rogue applications with names such as ‘My account’ and ‘Reported For Rule Breaking’ are currently circulating on the popular social networking site.
Bloghology Social Network
Mar 1st, 2009
great to have social networks like facebook around but they should definitely change their application policies and create a screening before they let applications to their network.
Frank J
Mar 2nd, 2009
I totally agree! It’s to much of a free for all.
care
Mar 1st, 2009
its really nice job done by your end, thanks
Frank J
Mar 2nd, 2009
Thank you and look forward to you visiting again!
Kikolani | Blogging, Poetry, Photography
Mar 2nd, 2009
I’m always wary about the applications. If there aren’t tons of users, or if I don’t know the author, I don’t bite. More than my own profile, I worry about all of my friends who could be affected by my mistake.
~ Kristi
Frank J
Mar 2nd, 2009
Facebook needs to govern the application submissions better to improve safety.