by Sara Schewe

Created on: December 15, 2008   Last Updated: December 18, 2008

The Koobface virus is currently making the rounds on Facebook. Back in August, it made an appearance on MySpace but was dealt with rather quickly through security measures. Social networking sites are a popular target for viruses due to many users not being computer-savvy and/or the sense of trust that is instilled because you are receiving a message from a "friend."

Be on the alert for messages being sent from a friend that say something similar to "you look funny in this new video." When you try to play the video, you're told you need to upgrade your player, and it prompts you to download a program called tinyproxy.exe in order to view the video.

Koobface can cause some serious trouble for you. It monitors your web traffic and will target sensitive information on your computer, such as credit card numbers.

To keep you and your family safe from virus threat, there are two important steps you can take.

1. Be sure everyone in your family is aware they should NEVER download an .exe file or open an attachment that is sent to them. A good rule of thumb for .exe's is that if you haven't gone directly to the website yourself, don't ever download something or provide personal information. This includes not clicking on links that were e-mailed or messaged to you from a friend or what appears to be a safe site.

2. Always use antivirus software such as Norton or McAfee, and keep it up-to-date. Yes, it sometimes slows down the speed with which your computer processes things, but this software is keeping you and your personal information safe. Be sure no one in your family shuts down the antivirus software to speed up a download.

If you or your children use Facebook, be on the lookout for the Koobface virus. Keep in mind that when it comes to viruses, your friends aren't choosing to send them to you. The virus basically sends itself to you via your friend's account; your friend may not even realize they've been infected.

To keep yourself safe from this virus, don't open videos or download .exe files that are sent to you from Facebook friends. If you've been infected or think you have, you should change your password on Facebook. Facebook has listed instructions for how to remove the virus from your computer at www.facebook.com/security

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