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Koobface is a mass-mailing virus that infects a computer when the user attempts to download a media player link. The virus targets Microsoft Windows users of the social networking websites Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Friendster and Twitter.

The Koobface virus usually shows up as a harmless-looking Facebook message peeking your interest about an online video of you. Once you try to play the video you are confronted with a screen telling you that a “Flash Player” is needed to play the file. However, the link provided on this page is not actually the link to Flash Player, instead it is a virus, and your computer will become infected by clicking the link. The virus could allow an attacker to remotely steal your Facebook password and other sensitive information.

Koobface has been around since August 2009, mostly targeting social networks, and a variant that targets only Facebook users surfaced in December, with a more potent version appearing in March 2010.

If you have questions about the virus, please contact Tech Helpline or visit Facebook’s security page.