Skype and Facebook Viruses
Skype and Facebook are two online applications that have hundreds of millions of combined users as of 2011. Both allow you to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances, whether they be a few blocks away or on another continent. However, because of the large amount of users on Skype and Facebook, these applications are also prime areas for viruses. Being familiar with these viruses can make it easier to keep yourself safe on Skype and Facebook.
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IRC Bot Trojan
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The IRC Bot Trojan is an early Skype Trojan that still circulates from time to time. You receive an email through your normal email client that poses as a notice from Skype. The email claims that new updates from Skype are available. This isn't actually a message from Skype but directs you to click on a link that installs the Trojan. Skype reminds you that it doesn't send out emails about updates to its users. Any email claiming to be from Skype that asks you to download updates should be considered fraudulent and reported.
False Instant Messages
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A common way for viruses to spread on Skype is through a false instant message. You may receive an IM from someone you don't know, asking you to click on a link. One example of this is a message circulating asking for help in locating a missing girl. You should never click on links in messages from someone you don't know. Keep in mind that even for people you do know, accounts can be hacked. If a message from someone you know seems suspicious, don't click on any links. Watch for messages from people you know that seem out-of-character or that use a writing style different from how that person usually writes. It never hurts to clarify what's being sent in a link before clicking on it.
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Fake Youtube Links (Koobface)
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The Koobface virus attempts to lure you in by posting a link that appears to be a YouTube video. The link is set up to look like a YouTube video embedded on a Facebook wall. However, when you click on it, it installs a virus. People are enticed into clicking the link because the posts will often say things like, "Woah, check out this video of you!" or will claim to be a video of something unbelievable. It may claim to be a video about something specific, or just say something vague to draw you in. Use caution when clicking on Facebook links and confirm that they're really sent by your friends before clicking on anything suspicious. You can also right-click and check the link properties. If the link doesn't really come from YouTube, don't click on it and delete the post from your wall.
Wall Viruses
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Wall viruses are a common spread of viruses over Facebook, and the term simply refers to any type of virus spread on a Facebook wall. Public profiles are much more susceptible to wall viruses because anyone can post to a public wall. Private profiles decrease the risk of getting a wall virus, but because friends' accounts can be hacked, still be cautious even if your profile is private. Wall viruses are usually links posted to a wall that say something interesting to try and get you to click on them. Click only on links you trust.
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References
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