Can I get Viruses, through programs such as Facebook, or Instant Messaging? (AIM)

The simple answer to the question is yes you can get viruses, infections, trojans, malware etc. from these programs. However you will only get infected from these if you authorize the infection, usually accidentally from a Facebook application. Since Facebook has become extremely popular and now has a worldwide reach it has become a good source to spread infections. Virus makers have specifically targeted Facebook and are constantly probing it for weaknesses and exploits.

These infections though all require the user to click on something be it an application or some Quiz etc. The Koobface Worm is a prime example. It comes from a message from one of your friends with a link to a YouTube video. The YouTube video is really a nasty worm. Read this short story here for more details : ( http://dailycontributor.com/koobface-worm-hits-facebook/2035/)

Similar to infections or viruses transmitted via email, they always require the user to start the process via a click to launch the infection. Once the infection has been launched, your PC is now open and exposed to multiple threats. In essence it is liking ringing the dinner bell. Once your PC's defenses have been penetrated from one infection you expose yourself to multiple infections such as viruses, trojans etc, which can lower your guard and disable your Antivirus software entirely. Many of these are made to spread via Facebook to your Friends etc. causing even more chaos. It therefore becomes extremely important to make sure your PC isn't infected, that you are very careful when using Facebook Apps and clicking on Facebook email links.

The safest way to still enjoy Facebook is to Google some of the Apps you may wish to download or see just how long they have been around for. For example one of the more popular apps is Yoville, which has been around for quite some time. As their are millions of users, it is a safe app. New Apps come out almost daily for Facebook so use your best judgment
when downloading them or allowing them access to your account. These nasty infections can grab all of your Facebook friends info etc. and send out fake mailings to them trying to get $$$ or personal information from people. You may have read a few of these articles in the news. A story about a friend who was stranded in London with no $$$$ etc. This message would come in your Facebook email from someone you know, maybe a good friend who you trust. You may be tempted to believe and provide the requested information or even $$$$ to help them out of trouble etc.

As for getting infections through Chat programs such as AIM, MSN Messenger etc. the only way you can get infected is to first accept the file being transferred to you and second to open/click on it once you have it on your PC. The simple solution is know who is sending you the file. With chat things become a bit easier as most likely the person who you are chatting with would not directly send you a virus and has probably run the same file on their machine. This is all predicated on the fact that the person you are chatting with is a friend and not a stranger. If you are chatting with somebody new or someone who you don't know, be extremely careful about accepting files from strangers. You don't know who is really on the other end and the results could be disastrous for you and your PC.

Bottom line is Facebook is great but use it wisely and carefully. Ask others before installign an app if you are not sure. Google it. I myself use many Apps on Facebook and have no problems at all. Facebook is fantastic for a lot of things, but because of it's increasing popularity and usage, it becomes a source and target for viruses due to it's success. Chat clients and programs are excellent tools and a great way to stay in touch with people but they can also be used for malicious purposes. Use your common sense and best judgment.


One of the keys to keeping your PC healthy and safe is to remain vigilant and be careful about what you are clicking on, who is the source?, Is it trusted, What is the title of the file/app/pic etc. If you do ever get infected and can't solve the problem yourself you can always call in the Professionals. Thanks for reading and have a great rest of the week.

Steve
www.zolexpc.com