Two major viruses spread through social media
By Joe Elvin
23/05/2011
A malicious survey spreading around Facebook and Twitter has been infecting computer hard drives with explicit sexual images.
The malware-filled message, which claims to be by smart card ticketing system company Myki, had been circulating social media profiles earlier this week after hackers exploited a weakness in the websites security.
The virus, which originated in Australia, has affected at least nine IT management systems and police in Victoria are hoping to speak with anyone whose computer has been affected.
The Herald Sun reports that a 57-year-old Australian man is currently being questioned in connection with the matter.
Police have released images of the fake survey in order to prevent any more systems being affected with the malicious images but have confirmed that nobody who has downloaded the virus will be charged.
This is at least the second major virus scandal to hit Facebook this week following the 'Vote For Nicole Santos' malware which was circulating through the social networking website earlier this week.
That case posted offensive messages encouraging Facebook users to vote for Nicole Santos and to delete the message by clicking on a link below.
According to The Daily Mail, the link automatically downloads malware onto the system and spreads the message amongst the profiles of users' Facebook contacts.
