New Malware Automatically Posts Facebook Comments
Microsoft has issued a warning about a new type of malware that assumes the form of a Google Chrome extension and Firefox add-on.
The Trojan horse is reportedly designed to target the Facebook accounts of its victims and, once a machine is compromised, performs a number of automated social media tasks, including "liking" certain pages and posting comments.
The malware, which was first detected in Brazil, is named 'Trojan:JS/Febipos' and operates by checking to see if the current user is logged into Facebook.
If this is the case, the bug attempts to download a configuration file that contains a list of commands. These can include liking another page (or comment), sharing content, posting on the walls of friends, commenting on pre-existing posts, joining a group, or inviting friends to join a group or chat with friends.
Fresh Updates Add Credibility
The Trojan attempts to keep itself updated with the latest instructions from its malware authors. (Source: cnet.com)
To see how the malware works, Microsoft representatives monitored a Facebook page that was known to be the recipient of such bogus postings. Not surprisingly, the volume of 'likes' and automated commenting increased significantly in a matter of hours.
In a recent security bulletin, Microsoft claimed the Trojan horse can "alter messages, URLs, Facebook pages and perform any other activity" at the discretion of its creators. (Source: thenextweb.com)
Malware: A Regional Issue For Now
Luckily, this issue appears to be, for the time being, only a regional problem.
All messages are written in Brazilian Portuguese and there is no indication that the malware is being used anywhere else in the world.
Nevertheless, insiders say they believe those behind the Trojan have designed it to be modular, meaning that friends of victims could find their machines compromised in the future.
Microsoft warns all individuals to only install browser extensions and add-ons from trusted sources. It's also telling Facebook users to sign out of of their social networking accounts when they're done using the site.
Most popular articles
- Which Processor is Better: Intel or AMD? - Explained
- How to Prevent Ransomware in 2018 - 10 Steps
- 5 Best Anti Ransomware Software Free
- How to Fix: Computer / Network Infected with Ransomware (10 Steps)
- How to Fix: Your Computer is Infected, Call This Number (Scam)
- Scammed by Informatico Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Smart PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Right PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by PC / Web Network Experts? Here's What to Do
- How to Fix: Windows Update Won't Update
- Explained: Do I need a VPN? Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?
- Explained: VPN vs Proxy; What's the Difference?
- Explained: Difference Between VPN Server and VPN (Service)
- Forgot Password? How to: Reset Any Password: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
- How to: Use a Firewall to Block Full Screen Ads on Android
- Explained: Absolute Best way to Limit Data on Android
- Explained: Difference Between Dark Web, Deep Net, Darknet and More
- Explained: If I Reset Windows 10 will it Remove Malware?
My name is Dennis Faas and I am a senior systems administrator and IT technical analyst specializing in cyber crimes (sextortion / blackmail / tech support scams) with over 30 years experience; I also run this website! If you need technical assistance , I can help. Click here to email me now; optionally, you can review my resume here. You can also read how I can fix your computer over the Internet (also includes user reviews).
We are BBB Accredited
We are BBB accredited (A+ rating), celebrating 21 years of excellence! Click to view our rating on the BBB.