Koobface virus attacks Facebook

Another virus that targets a particular website has surfaced, with the recently-discovered “Koobface” virus trying to wreak havoc on Facebook users. While not completely new, this new iteration has found a way to extend its life. The virus, similar to others in recent history that have targeted specific social networking sites, attempts to spread itself by sending messages to the friends of someone who has already become infected. Naturally, the messages contain links to malicious content, in this case a copy of the virus.

Ultimately, once infected, people are unknowingly led to false websites, with the virus redirecting popular sites like Google, Yahoo and MSN. One of the reasons that social networking viruses seem to be successful is that people tend to trust the sites more, particularly when you are dealing with a site like Facebook that blocks outsiders from sending messages to begin with.

Most anti-virus vendors and security experts believe that as time goes on, viruses and malware will only become more targeted, which could complicate security matters in the future. The smaller the group a virus targets, the less chance an anti-virus vendor will be able to match a signature in time to protect them.