Koobface Virus On FaceBook

Facebook.com has become the newest to be targeted by authors of a computer virus.

"It's a serious virus, it just starts taking over their computer and they don't know what to do with it," said Michael Mills, a computer technician with Big-Byte Computers in Chandler. "It's crazy."

The virus is known as "K00bface" and is hidden in an anonymous invitation or post to a user.

The invitation tells the user that they have been "tagged" in a photo or video, instructing them to open the invitation.

"Yeah, I've heard of it," said Brianna Quidang, an Arizona State University student who used Facebook on a daily basis.

"I got an email warning of that virus and my friends say just not to open anything from anybody you don't know. I'm pretty careful anyway," said Quidang.

It's important to note, there is nothing wrong with Facebook.

Experts believe the virus is authored by people looking to take advantage of users who open invitations from anonymous posters.

"Once it gets into your computer, it starts taking over things such as your desktop background, your web browser and your search results," said Mills.

Mills says the virus is a new, dangerous version of an old computer virus.

"I've already seen people come in with these problems and it's dangerous, it could potentially get into your computer and steal personal information," said Mills.

Mills said his best advice is to never open something from someone you don't know and always keep your virus protection software updated.

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