Koobface

Koobface is a computer worm that was ultimately designed to gather sensitive information from the victim’s computer system, such as credit card numbers, personal identity information, etc. This dubious application targets the users of social networking websites, for example: Facebook and MySpace. Koobface spreads by delivering Facebook messages to people that are 'friends' of the infected user. The messages contain innocuous subject headers the likes of: "Paris Hilton Tosses Dwarf on the Street", "LOL", and "My friend catched [sic] you on hidden cam". Upon receipt, the message will redirect the recipients to a third-party website, unaffiliated with the social networking website, where they are then prompted to download what is purported to be an update of the Adobe Flash player. Should the unsuspecting user choose to download the file, they will in effect only be ensuring the infiltration and ultimate infection of their computer with Koobface. Once integrated within a computer system, Koobface then commandeers their surfing activities and directs users to contaminated websites (all of which are obviously in close association with Koobface) when they attempt to access search engines from Google, Yahoo, MSN and Live.com. Note worthy is the fact that the actual name of this virus: Koobface is an anagram of Facebook; "face" and "book" change order and "koob" is "book" in reverse. Koobface works by adding links to social networking profiles, while posing as a video codec. Once a user clicks a link and installs the “video codec,” they are actually downloading Koobface. Koobface launches and searches your PC for social networking site cookies, and uses these cookies to modify your profiles with Koobface links.
Have you noticed?
* Slow computer performance: It just takes one parasite like Koobface.B Worm to slow your computer dramatically. If your PC takes longer than usual to reboot, or if your Internet connection is unusually slow, you may be infected with Koobface.B Worm.
* New desktop shortcuts or switched homepage: Badware like Koobface.B Worm may change your Internet settings to redirect your homepage to another site. Badware can even add desktop shortcuts to your PC.
* Annoying pop-ups: Badware can bombard your computer with popup ads, even when you’re not online. Through these pop-ups, you may be tricked into downloading more spyware.
Should you be experiencing these key symptoms? You may be infected with the Koobface virus, and removal should be implemented ASAP!