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Social networking malware variant discovered

Security firm Kaspersky has uncovered a new variant of the Koobface malware – which is the 25 millionth piece of malicious code to make its list.

The new Koobface program was first discovered on June 9th 2009 – and is one of more than 50 variants to be found on the internet.

The latest version of the malicious code, also known as Net-Worm.Win32.Koobface, is targeted at users of MySpace and Facebook – two of the most popular social networking sites.

It spreads by sending users a message from a "friend" which contains a link to a video on an externally hosted website.

When the video is clicked on users are asked to download the latest version of Adobe's Flash Player – at this point the virus is installed on the user's system allowing a remote server to send commands to the infected PC.

According to recent research by payment association APACS, the increased availability of anti-spam and anti-virus software has not reduced the number of phishing attacks sent via email.

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