Computer Support Blog

Recently, there has been a malicious browser extension discovered that is threatening the Internet security of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox users.  The browser extension has been hijacking users’ Facebook accounts and gaining access to many people’s personal information.  However, the extension doesn’t only access your information.  It also actively takes complete control of your Facebook account and performs multiple actions without your consent.

This Trojan, identified as Trojan:JS/Febipos.A, can perform many actions when it gains access to your Facebook profile.  These actions include liking pages, commenting on pages, sharing links, inviting friends to new groups and even directly chatting with your friends through Facebook Messenger.  The Trojan uses these capabilities make posts that link other Facebook users to malicious websites.  People have also reported this software as posting links to a website for automobile sales on infected users’ profiles. 

The origin of the malware appears to be in Brazil.  At this point, the Trojan has affected thousands of user accounts.  However, the Trojan is only dangerous to those using Chrome and Firefox currently.  Microsoft’s IE 10 and Apple’s Safari remain unaffected for the time being.

When combined, Mozilla and Google’s browsers currently hold over a third of the market according to recent reports.  Therefore, this malware poses a threat to a significant minority of Internet users.  Fortunately, researchers have discovered and identified this malicious software.  However, it is still an active threat and poses a security risk if a user has no virus protection.  RESCUECOM recommends that all Chrome and Firefox users take care and pay close attention to their Facebook accounts.  As always, users should confirm that any security software they have has all of the latest security updates to protect against possible attacks.

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox both became popular as alternative Internet browsers partially due to the perception of better security than the default browsers from Apple and Microsoft.  This Trojan only reinforces the fact that you should always be aware of potential security threats no matter what software you use.  Chrome and Firefox users should seek help with virus removal if their Facebook accounts appear compromised in any way.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman
CEO
david@rescuecom.com
1-315-882-1100

Filed under: Google, Internet, Internet Security, virus