Two new malicious codes using FB discovered

The recent trend for developing computer threats designed to spread by exploiting the most popular social media continues to gather pace, reports global IT vendor Panda Security. Since last week two new malicious codes that use Facebook to ensnare victims have been wreaking havoc.

Victims deceived via email

One of these, Asprox.N, is a Trojan that reaches potential victims via email. It deceives users by telling them that their Facebook account is being used to distribute spam and that, for their security, the login credentials have been changed. It includes a fake Word document supposedly containing the new password.

The email attachment has an unusual Word icon, and is called Facebook_details.exe. This file is really the Trojan which, when run, downloads a .doc file that runs Word to make users think the original file has opened.

The Trojan, when run, downloads another file designed to open all available ports, connecting to various mail service providers in an attempt to spam as many users as possible.

Lolbot.Q distributed via IM apps

The other, Lolbot.Q, is distributed across IM applications such as MSN and Yahoo!, displaying a message with a malicious link. This link downloads a worm designed to hijack Facebook accounts and prevent users from accessing them. If users then try to login to Facebook, a message appears informing that the account has been suspended and that to reactivate them they must complete a questionnaire, with the offer of prizes - including laptops, iPads, etc.- to encourage users to take part.

After several questions, users are asked to enter their cell phone number, where they will receive data download credits for a cost of R83 a week. On subscribing to the service, victims will receive a password with which they can recover access to their Facebook account.

Social media being exploited

"Once again cyber-criminals are using social engineering to trick victims and infect them with malware" says Jeremy Matthews, head of Panda's sub-Saharan operations. "Given the increasing popularity of this social media, it is no surprise that it is being exploited to lure potential victims".

PandaLabs advises all users to be wary of any messages with unusually eye-catching subjects, whether via email or IM or any other channel; and to be careful when clicking on external links in Web pages. Obviously, we also warn users not to enter any personal data in applications attempting to sell any type of test.