Facebook Users Hit with 'Sexiest Video Ever' Adware Attack

A massive attack from a rogue Facebook application infected users' PCs with annoying adware leading to the installation of malware through a fake FLV (Flash Video) player file, a file format used to view video content online.

Currently the 'sexiest video ever' scam has been eradicated on Facebook but it clearly demonstrates how malicious apps or scams on Facebook can easily be spread. Saturday of last week, several security firms received thousands of reports of the malicious Facebook app. Many of the reports from Facebook users said that all of the malicious actions took place within Facebook.

This is not the first time that a malicious app or page has wreaked havoc on Facebook. Earlier this year, popular gaming apps on Facebook were the culprit of displaying malware laden advertisements.

During this recent massive attack using a phishing tactic, the 'sexiest video ever' became potential eye candy for several Facebook users who would stop at nothing until they saw the promised video. Unfortunately, there was never such a video. It was the typical bait and switch technique where a hacker could easily install a potential threat on your system. The video below clearly demonstrates how a malicious FLV player file is downloaded after users click on the link coming from the 'sexiest video ever' scam on Facebook.

The video above seems familiar to other cases where computer users are forced into 'updating' their Adobe Flash player only to discover that the update file was malicious.

The 'sexiest video ever' attack is another example on how social networking sites are hunting grounds for gullible computer users. Hackers thrive on running scams and spreading malware over the social networks Facebook and Twitter. With Facebook having over 400 million users, criminals have realized the value of utilizing such an infrastructure to spread malware, adware, spyware and even viruses. It has been estimated that over 6% of recent identity theft attacks have originated from Facebook alone. This puts Facebook in the 4th place, behind PayPal, eBay and the London-based bank, HSBC.

Although Facebook has had their fair share of privacy woes, computer users are starting to wise up and take action to keep themselves protected against not only personal information leaks, but against malware as well. What steps have you taken to protect your computer along with your personal information on social networks?