Think before you click
Osama bin Laden computer viruses wreak havoc on Facebook
Voyeurs of violence beware: that innocent looking link to supposed footage of Osama bin Laden's slaying most likely leads to an arsenal of malware. Social media sites like Facebook are particularly facing a spam onslaught — perhaps you've noticed an unusual number of note tagging or wall posts by estranged friends.
Notably, the spike in suspect links is a direct result of the White House decision to not release photos of Osama bin Laden's body, driving skeptics and curious observers to the tempting Facebook posts. Frequently, the linked photos are falsified, explains CNN, and the supposed video footage is nonexistent.
Photoshop and video editing software can't heal the wounds of Americans still seeking closure over the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. One wrong click could involuntarily download a Trojan virus that steals data.
To protect yourself from the fraud, exercise caution before you click and ensure that your virus software is up to date. The threat of bin Laden may be over, but cybercriminals are alive and well.
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Photo by Leonid Furmansky