Malicious spam emails about Facebook may lead to computer infection - SSO-AD2009-007

03 March 2009

Software and platforms affected

The following operating system platforms:

Windows (any version)

What is the problem?

Various spam emails are circulating which are designed to infect your computer with a program (malware) that could steal your passwords and other personal information (identity theft).

The subject lines of the email include, but are not limited to:

Your friend just sent you a new drink!
Facebook online - you are agreeing to the Facebook Terms of Use in your use of Drinking Party.
Facebook online - Allow Access?
Facebook message - New Message
Facebook online -Allowing Drinking Party access
Facebook online - Add up to 20 of your friends by clicking on their video below.
Facebook online - You have been invited by your friend
Facebook message - word wrap in received messages

The Facebook spam email claims that you have received a message from your friends.

The emails contains a link to a site that will attempt to infect your machine.  Some anti-virus software may not yet detect this malware.

What we recommend you do

If you receive an email similar to the above emails, do not click on the link. Delete the email straight away.

If you have already clicked on the link, it is quite possible your computer may now be infected.  It is recommended you seek professional assistance in helping detect and remove the malware.

Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep it updated.

Disclaimer

This Alert has been prepared by AusCERT for the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

The information is intended for used by home users and small to medium sized businesses and is general information only and not intended as advice and was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. The material and information in this Alert is not adapted to any particular person's circumstances and therefore cannot be relied upon to be of assistance in any particular case. In any important matter, you should seek professional advice relevant to your own circumstances.

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