New Facebook virus could cost you money and friends
Filed under: Technology, Relationships
With more than 600,000 new users a day, Facebook has quickly become a target for all kinds of nasty Internet filth. The newest plague to hit the popular social networking is a virus that appears to come from a friend, urging you to check out ponbon.im, 121.im or 151.im. Do not!Software news site SoftSailor.com warns that these addresses will infect out of date and unprotected computers. Once infected the virus steals your Facebook account and sends a similar message to your friends.
If you get infected, not only do you run the risk of being on the hook for virus removal fees, which cost between $149 and $299 at Staples and Bestbuy, but you also have to face the friends you unwittingly infected by not taking care of your computer. Even though most users trust their friends on Facebook, some enough to send $1,200 to a hacked account, don't forget that when it comes to social networking the rule should always be, No Glove...No Love.
If you don't want to spread the digital STD around, here are four simple steps to take right now to stop this problem dead in its tracks.
- Update: If you're using Windows, click Start-> Programs-> Windows Update to make sure you have the latest patches. After installing the critical updates you'll be one step ahead of the virus writers who often exploit old security holes.
- Get a better browser: If you're still using Internet Explorer make sure you have the latest version, Internet Explorer 8, you can check your version by opening Internet Explorer then pressing Alt + H and then A. Personally I use Firefox, which is a great browser that is constantly updated. There is also Google Chrome, which provides another secure browsing system. Remember, when you get a prompt to update your browser; do it.
- Get anti virus protection: If you're running any version of Windows there's no excuse not to have an anti-virus program. You can purchase one for under $50 at your favorite technology store or download one of the many capable free programs. My personal favorite free anti-virus programs are Free AVG and Avira. For a full rundown of free anti-virus programs, check out this great summary on DownloadSquad.
- Practice safe clicking: Don't click on strange links. I know this can be hard with the many link shortening services out there that can make WalletPop.com look like an obtuse http://bit.ly/DHXra but common sense should help. If there is no description or it doesn't make sense, forget about it, or Google the link before clicking, In the event that the link is a life-changing website you're sure to come across it later.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-15-2009 @ 3:42PM
valentine said...
my computer also got infected
Reply
5-16-2009 @ 1:34AM
rmkc007 said...
mine got infected also
5-15-2009 @ 4:55PM
lin said...
Ive had an email account with aol for 12 years, 2 months ago I started getting emails from ME, I didnt send, making it look like I sent them, got another one today, what's up? Is this a scam, virus?
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 4:52PM
Brandon said...
The exact same thing has been happening to me once in a while over the last couple months. I was wondering how in the heck can someone use my aol account to send me spam!? I reported it as spam and called aol and they said "not to worry, just change the password." I noticed the emails were sent when I was not online. I actually pay for aol and have all their antivirus software.
5-16-2009 @ 12:31AM
Amy said...
Um yeah you probably DO have a virus because I have AOL as well and have never had that happen....so you people who are having this happen probably have a virus...or are using a password that a 3 year old could guess and have a hacker....
5-16-2009 @ 12:31AM
Ken Gregory said...
Sounds like you're not very smart. No wonder this is happening, no wonder at all.
5-15-2009 @ 4:54PM
lin said...
how does someone send an email looking like it came from your email address and you didnt send it? How do you get rid of them, change your email provider, address??????
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 4:52PM
linz said...
my friends think im sending them email and Im not , someone has my email name and is sending bogus emails looking like they are from me, is there a virus in them, or what
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 4:52PM
Natalie said...
I've also had an AOL email account for over 10 years and I remember always getting those weird emails from my own address. They've never infected my computer. Most of the time I just delete them. Clever spamming, is all.
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5-15-2009 @ 4:52PM
Don't Assume... said...
"No Glove...No Love"
Let's not assume that everyone who reads your articles uses street vernacular or wants to read it. The double entendre only fits while in the company of those who share your worldly vocabulary. The use of this language is offensive and sophmoric! Your article would have been just as interesting and informative without it.
Reply
5-26-2009 @ 3:56PM
KIKI said...
THANKYOU!
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 7:43PM
KIMMY said...
THANKX
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 5:06PM
Kimm said...
WOW,Ihadnooooidea thishasbeenhappening
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 9:36PM
Isaac Bonewits said...
I presume those of us wise enough to have Macs are, as usual, immune to this particular virus? What about people running Linus instead of Windoze?
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 7:49PM
Tim said...
I have been getting the same emails, from me. Pretty wierd!
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 7:50PM
Rhee said...
Of course this doesn't apply to a Mac, which isn't mentioned, and you can use Apple's Safari as your PC browser, which also isn't mentioned. If any of you are wondering what the new PC ads aren't mentioning, this is a big part of why Macs are just less trouble.
Let the flames begin.
Reply
5-15-2009 @ 7:57PM
Jonathan Mullen said...
I agree. I consider myself open minded but your point is well taken. I had the same reaction. Like what does the glove comment have to do with this? This is not an STD's awareness article.
Reply
5-16-2009 @ 12:31AM
Your Father said...
Oh God, get a life. What a whiny little snot you sound like.
5-16-2009 @ 12:31AM
DrMike said...
You will never get a virus if you see it coming. When things start making ciber spins, go back to an earlier date, e.g., a weel or so before the trouble started. Don't jump at everything your computer tells you to do. Most of the time it's a scam that's not what it seems. I went through hell before I learned all of this, spending hours on the phone deleating ALMOST everything in my computer, and then I learned by chance. Nobody told me. Computer companies don't want you to know it's this simple. Good Luck!
Reply
5-16-2009 @ 12:31AM
BobSaid said...
Let's update the cost of BestBuy removing viruses. How about $504? And it didn't work! For details, go to the post on Ripoffreport.com.
Reply