Be careful: Fake messages on Facebook Messenger found to harbour malware

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The scam explained in detail - and how to avoid it

A new advanced form of malware is using Facebook Messenger to infect victim's computers. The malware comes in the form of a Facebook Messenger message normally from a friend and often contains a link to a video file. The link points to a Google doc. The document then takes a picture from the victim's Facebook page and creates a dynamic landing page which looks like a playable movie.

When the victim clicks on the fake playable movie, the malware redirects them to a set of websites which interrogates their browser, operating system and other vital information.

Depending on their operating system they are directed to other websites. The website then displays a fake error message tricking the user to download a malicious browser extension which downloads a file to a victim's computer.

The spreading mechanism seems to be Facebook Messenger, but how it actually spreads via Messenger is still unknown. It may be spreading by hacking into Facebook accounts where the login details have been stolen, hijacked browsers or clickjacking.

Remember: To keep you safe make sure you do not to click on random links sent by friends on Facebook Messenger.

As a TalkTalk customer you can try SuperSafe internet security for FREE on the first device (worth £39 a year) and SuperSafe Boost, which protects up to eight devices for only £2 a month (worth £99 for a year).

Just log in to My Account, select the package you want and you will receive an email from F-Secure to install it on to your device. Even if you click on a suspicious link, TalkTalk SuperSafe will check to make sure that it is not harmful and give you a warning if it is.