Facebook reveals new security tool

WASHINGTON, United States - Facebook announced Tuesday it has been using a new security tool to help detect and remove malicious software for users of the world's biggest social network.

Facebook said it was working with Kaspersky Lab, bolstering a program implemented with other online security firms including ESET, F-Secure and Trend Micro.

"Thanks to the collaboration with these companies, in the past three months we have helped clean up more than two million people's computers that we detected were infected with malware when they connected to Facebook," said Trevor Pottinger, a Facebook security engineer.

"In these cases, we present a cleanup tool that runs in the background while you continue using Facebook, and you get a notification when the scan is done to show you what it found."

Pottinger said the program uses "a combination of signals to help find infections and get the malware off of your computer for good, even if the malware isn't actively spreading spam or harmful links."

Kaspersky Lab's Kate Kochetkova said in a separate blog post that Facebook users are often targeted in online fraud schemes such as "phishing," which are faked emails designed to get recipients to download malware.

"Facebook is a major aim for phishers: one in five phishing scams targets Facebook notifications," she said.

"So be vigilant when you receive emails appearing to be from Facebook: as they can be fake. There are lots of Trojans targeting Facebook users as well."

Fraudsters may also use Facebook, Kochetkova said, to "'like' weird things and promote questionable goods and services on your behalf."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Why you should be careful about the sites you visit

MANILA - Filipinos are becoming careless about the sites they visit or the links they click, according to data from a US-based global security software company released Tuesday.

Trend Micro, citing its researchers based in the Philippines, revealed that there has been a more than 30 percent spike in the number of malicious URLs clicked in the country during the year's third quarter (July to September).


This, according to the company, leaves Filipinos more vulnerable to malware --a type of software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.

It also helped Philippines rank 7th in the list of countries that fell prey to ransomware --a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their computers.

Victims of this particular malicious software are forced to pay a ransom via certain online payment methods to make their devices usable again.

Myla Pilao, Marketing Director at Trend Labs --the local arm of Trend Micro-- explained that the reason companies and enterprises in the country are vulnerable to malwares is simply because of outdated security software.

"Updating software in a timely manner remains a challenging process. However, enterprises have to stay protected against these threats. Given how easily malware can affect critical business operations, it is best for these organizations to invest in technologies that will help them secure their endpoints and systems," she said in a statement.

Trend Micro also warned that malware in the country, mostly, is still passed on through traditional methods such as infected USBs.

As a preventive measure, the company encourages businesses to invest more in computer security, and that users should be extra mindful of their browsing habits.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Warning out vs Facebook 'Christmas theme' malware

Facebook users, watch out: a website offering a Christmas theme for your Facebook profile may lead to malware.

Computer security firm Trend Micro on Sunday said the latest attack uses social engineering to lure people into installing a malicious browser plugin.

"Once users click the Like button, the page redirects them to a URL which allows victims to download and install a malicious plugin named Free Cheesecake Factory Coupons," Trend Micro said in a blog post.

The plugin, once activated, floods affected users’ walls with the catchy status, "Get Christmas Theme for FB on – – >>0< < – – free Christmas Theme for all FB users!!"

It is detected in Trend Micro antivirus software as TROJ_REDIR.CU.

"Users need to be extra vigilant this holiday season, since cybercriminals are surely to continue launching attacks that use the holiday season as a lure," Trend Micro said. — RSJ, GMA News

source:gmanetwork.com