Fan Check in Facebook Can Lead to Virus Installation

Online security firm 'Sophos' has declared that hackers have created sites which pretend to be the "Facebook Fan Check Virus", but in reality they host bogus antivirus software. These fake applications show forged warnings about the safety of system for getting users to download phony software and divulge their credit card information.

The fake warnings look exactly identical to the previous bogus antivirus solution attacks. These warnings display a rolling green progress bar and a list of supposed threats discovered on the system with a striking red color rolling up.

Besides, Sopho's web-filtering products identify the malicious web pages proactively as Mal/FakeAvJs-A. Security analysts at SophosLabs have declared that they are examining the phony antivirus malware installed by these websites (web pages).

The Sophos researchers also reveal that the Facebook fan check program indicates the number of friends a user has and enables to develop a RSS feed that can be posted on user's Facebook page. But the application states its "adding new features and new capacity" which "could take a few days".

In the meantime, user should take a fan membership and they will send to that user a notice when things are back online. However, security researchers have cautioned not to follow the instructions because it will attack user's facebook account and send an e-mail to all his friends who will also be attacked.

But some people have informed that the Facebook fan check application has modified their mail along with password but nothing has been confirmed so far.

Apart from this, sources have stated that it is highly unlikely that becoming a fan will attack a user's Facebook account. It seems that all other reports about the virus have been fabricated by spammers themselves. Google lists the phrase "facebook fan check virus" as a famous trend, but here is the problem-if anyone searches for this phrase, he will be assailed by sites carrying malware.

Finally, experts add that it may be that spammers and hackers are feeding the rumors of this application to lead people to look for a solution.

Related article: FNWA Alerts Residents about Trojan-laced Scam E-mails

» SPAMfighter News - 9/29/2009