The most dangerous social networking viruses
Websites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have become incredibly popular in recent years, providing users with a convenient way to stay connected with friends and family. However, these social networking sites can also be a breeding ground for malicious software, or “malware.”
While most users are aware of the more common types of malware, such as viruses and spyware, there are also a number of lesser-known threats that can be just as dangerous. Here are four of the most dangerous social networking viruses:
1. Koobface
Koobface is a worm that specifically targets users of social networking sites. It spreads by tempting users to click on links that appear to be from their friends, but actually lead to malicious websites.
Once Koobface has infected a user’s computer, it can steal personal information, such as login credentials for Facebook and other sites. It can also send out messages from the infected account, tricking the user’s friends into clicking on links and infecting their computers as well.
2. FakeAV
FakeAV is a type of malware that pretends to be a legitimate security program, such as an antivirus or anti-spyware program. It often spreads through social networking sites, where users are lured into clicking on links that claim to scan their computers for viruses.
Once installed, FakeAV will display phony security alerts and scan results, claiming that the user’s computer is infected with malware. It will then prompt the user to pay for a “full version” of the program to remove the nonexistent threats.
Not only is FakeAV a scam, but it can also install other types of malware on the user’s computer. It’s important to be very careful when installing any type of security software, and to download programs only from trusted sources.
3. ZeuS
ZeuS is a type of malware that is used to steal sensitive information, such as online banking login credentials. It often spreads through phishing emails or instant messages that appear to be from a friend or trusted contact.
The message may contain a link that appears to go to a website related to the message, but actually leads to a malicious website that will infect the user’s computer with ZeuS. Once installed, ZeuS can secretly record the user’s keystrokes, allowing the thief to capture login information and other sensitive data.
4. Cryptolocker
Cryptolocker is a type of “ransomware,” which is a type of malware that encrypts the user’s files and demands a ransom be paid to unlock them. It often spreads through phishing emails that contain an attachment or link that, when clicked, will install the malware on the user’s computer.
Once installed, Cryptolocker will scan the user’s hard drive for certain types of files, such as documents, pictures, and music files. It will then encrypt these files using a strong encryption key that only the attacker knows.
The user will then be presented with a message demanding a ransom be paid, usually in the form of Bitcoin, in order to decrypt and regain access to the files. Unfortunately, even if the ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that the files will be decrypted.
Cryptolocker is a particularly dangerous type of malware because it can cause permanent data loss. Once your files are encrypted, the only way to get them back is to pay the ransom or restore them from a backup. That’s why it’s important to regularly back up your important files to an external drive or online storage service.
These are just a few of the most dangerous social networking viruses. While there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself, such as being cautious about the links you click and the programs you install, the best defense is always a good offense.
Make sure your computer is protected with a trusted security program, and that you have a backup of your important files. By taking these steps, you can help make sure that you don’t become the victim of one of these dangerous viruses.Visit Site
The most dangerous instant messaging viruses
Nowadays, there are a great variety of ways to communicate with others. You can use text messages, phone calls, email, social media, and instant messaging. Of all these methods, instant messaging might be the most convenient. After all, it is quick, easy, and you can do it from anywhere.
However, there is a downside to instant messaging: viruses. Just like email viruses, instant messaging viruses can spread quickly and wreak havoc on your computer. Here are four of the most dangerous instant messaging viruses:
1. W32/Evo-Gen. This virus spreads through Instant Messaging services such as AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, and MSN Messenger. When the virus is first installed on a computer, it will wait for someone to add the infected user to their contact list. Once the connection is made, the virus will start spreading.
2. W32/IM-Worm-Gen. This virus is similar to the W32/Evo-Gen virus in that it spreads through Instant Messaging services. However, this virus is more dangerous because it is able to steal information from the infected computer. The information that is stolen includes the user’s login information, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.
3. W32/YahooIM-Trojan. This virus specifically targets users of the Yahoo! Instant Messenger service. The virus will spread itself by sending messages to all of the contacts in the infected user’s list. The messages will contain a link that, when clicked, will infect the recipient’s computer.
4. W32/IRC-Worm-Gen. This virus spreads itself through IRC (Internet Relay Chat) channels. Once the virus is on a computer, it will join an IRC channel and start sending messages to everyone in the channel. The messages will contain a link that, when clicked, will infect the recipient’s computer.
These are just four of the many instant messaging viruses that are out there. So, how can you protect yourself? The best defense against these viruses is a good anti-virus program. Be sure to keep your anti-virus program up-to-date so that it can detect and remove the latest threats.
You should also be careful about the links that you click. If you receive a message from someone that you do not know, or that contains a link, do not click it! It is better to be safe than sorry.
Finally, if you think that your computer is infected with a virus, do not panic. There are many resources available that can help you remove the virus and get your computer back up and running.
All material on this site was made with malwarezero.org as the authority reference. Resource.