FBI: Hackers target social networks

Social networks are becoming the victims of hack attacks, just like other Internet sites around the globe. Some spam tricks users into downloading an application or viewing a video. Others make it appear that the email comes from a user's friends.

Once the user responds to the phishing site, downloads the application or clicks on a video link, their computer becomes infected, according to the FBI. And the FBI cautions that users need to be careful, as these kinds of hack attacks are increasing.

Networkworld.com reports that Roger Thompson, chief of research at AVG Technologies, blogged about an automated rogue spyware attack using Facebook where hackers attack new Facebook pages.

"We're seeing rather a lot of these, all from different profiles, but with the same picture and link. Clearly, the Data Snatchers have found a way to automate the creation of Facebook accounts, which means they've found a way to bypass the Facebook Capcha (the image of letters which are required for a new account, which are supposed to ensure that a human is involved)," Thompson blogged. 

Networkworld.com also reports that one technique involves the use of spam to promote phishing sites. The spam claims there has been a violation of the terms of agreement and prompts users to visit a site to resolve it. The lesson in all of this is that no place is safe. Keep up your guard and use the guidelines that are in place to prevent this kind of attack from getting in your way.

The FBI has issued a series of tips:

• Adjust website privacy settings.
• Be selective of your friends on Facebook. Give some friends only limited access to your profile.
• Use caution about what you click on. Just because someone posts a link or video to their "wall" does not mean it is safe.

To report an incident, file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

For more on Facebook hack attacks:
- check out this NetworkWorld.com article

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