Digging up Worms: A Darker Side to Social Networks

AVG Threat Labs gives users the ability to examine exactly what threats are lurking out there on the web. By simply entering a web site's URL, anyone can get an instant report detailing the site's threat history and therefore its trustworthiness.

If you have already used this great free tool then you'll have seen the initial site rating report i.e. "POPULAR", "VERY POPULAR", "TOP SITE" - as well as the information on the location of their server, the number of threats found and the number of compromised web pages.

Where live threats lurk

You may be surprised to learn that worms (the nasty computer kind) are finding ways to spread quickly across both Facebook, Twitter and beyond. The Facebook Worm (1403) spreads by using Facebook wall posts and status updates that harbour a link that, if clicked, will infect a user's system with spam, malware and/or a phishing attack.

Here are the signs of potential danger:

  1. The URL is auto-shortened to hide its full length and origin and is linking to a site external to Facebook
  2. The post uses the acronym lmao – "laughing my arse off" – but it is a generic post and not directed to you personally. This should warn you of potential danger.
  3. The subject matter offers humour and funny images – a common "lure" for spam.
  4. As with most things, common sense is the best tool in staying safe while social networking online.

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