WHAT IS IT
Ramnit is an old computer worm (first surfaced in April 2010) that has resurfaced in the past week. So far it has stolen the username and passwords of 45,000 Facebook users.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD
The attackers that created the worm use the stolen usernamepassword of compromised Facebook users to login to their accounts and then send infected links to their friends. Their friends click on the infected links and the worm spreads to other Facebook friends.
The worm also takes advantage of the fact that many people use the same username and password for various web-based services. For some people, their Facebook username and password is the same for their email, corporate network and bank account…not good at all. In a previous article, I talked about how to deal with password overload which will cut down on using the same simple passwords over and over.
http://tinyurl.com/passwordoverload
WHAT HARM CAN IT CAUSE
The worm does not damage or delete any files on your computer and it does not slow your computer down. Worse, it steals your username and password which gives some stranger access to your Facebook account and possibly other online accounts and web services.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF
- Think twice about clicking on links from your Facebook friends. Be especially skeptical if someone you hardly ever communicate with sends you a link.
- Do not use the same username and password for more than one account or online service.
- Use a firewall on your computer.
- Keep ALL of your installed software updated, especially your antivirus software.
- Limit user privileges on the computer.
- Use caution when opening attachments.
- Use caution when clicking on links to web pages.
- Use strong passwords.
Watch your step,
