Watch Out For Social Networking Virus

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (10connects.com) - A warning for people who use the popular social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook: a new virus is going around that could cost you hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars.

Experts say the computer virus is called Koobface and has more than 50 variants. Some versions of the virus are phishing attacks while others will collect critical data on your hard drive.

"It (the virus) can grab information like credit card information, banking information, log-in accounts, it can do some damage," said 10 Connects Management Information System Director Leo Cuellar.

Cuellar says Koobface will usually appear as a message from a friend, even though it's not. He says one clue is the subject line typically has misspelled words. Some subject lines have read:

- Prromise me tthat you wwill nnever get cauught agaain.

- Wannna knoow somethiing funny?? You'vve beenn ffilmed!

Once opened, the message will direct you to a link and, when redirected, you are asked to download what Cuellar says is a bogus flash program. Downloading the program will unleash the virus.

Jacob Lott, with Computer Doctors in Tampa, says it is easy to protect yourself from viruses like Koobface. He says a good anti-virus with an internet security program should usually do the trick.

"Really, as long as you keep your system updated and you stay off unsecure wireless networks, you'll be fine," Lott added.