Internet security experts are warning consumers about a “Facebook Black” scam that is quickly and widely spreading across the World Wide Web.
TechSquad, a Waukesha-based IT security company, warned its clients about the scam Wednesday.
“There is a new Facebook circulating around ‘Facebook Black.’ These posts will not change your Facebook color to black. It’s a scam that tricks you into completing surveys, downloading and installing malicious Facebook apps and web browser extensions. Avoid ‘Liking,’ sharing or commenting on these malicious posts. As a reminder never trust or authorize unfamiliar Facebook applications,” said Chris Wiser, chief executive officer of TechSquad.
The speed at which the scam is spreading has forced Google to take action to protect users. The attack is using Amazon’s S3 cloud storage service to host the campaign, according to Symantec, which also warned about the attack Wednesday.
In the scam, users are tagged with a picture that links to an external website that attempts to get users to install a Chrome browser extension to experience the phony service. Once installed, the attackers use JavaScript files to create a new Facebook page on the victim’s account and an iFrame that redirects users to the malicious website.
Social networking threats are escalating, security experts say. Security experts say users of social networks have a greater trust in links and messages shared on social networks, often freely clicking on links shared by others.
