hat do Osama Bin Laden and Lady Gaga have in common? Both have been used in the last week to perpetuate video-based worms on social networking sites. A new Facebook virus is spreading via a message tempting users with a video of Osama Bin Laden's death. Following the link leads to a survey as well as a further propagation of the worm through newly infected accounts. There's no video.
Cybercriminals often take advantage of public curiosity over world events. The Osama viruses will not end with Facebook. Be on the lookout for emails, tweets, and instant messages soliciting clicks with the promise of Osama-related news.
What can you do to protect yourself? Be wary of things that doesn't seem right and do an Internet search when you suspect a fishy link. For instance you can do a Google news search for 'Osama death video' and look at the news results that come back. If it's a news-worthy clip, it'll likely be posted on the sites of major media outlets. Even if they don't post the clip, they'll likely be covering its existence.
Finally, make sure you have a well-rated Internet security software product installed. Many are adding Facebook-based detection tools and they can help prevent more serious viruses.
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