'Sexiest Video' Virus Infects Facebook Like Mad, Malevolent Malware

We all know that there's nothing better than a beautifully lit sexy video to help pass the time spent in front of your office desktop -- except, of course, when said video turns out to be a filthy, disgusting piece of malware.

Unfortunately for connoisseurs of libidinous cinema, that's the exact form in which the latest Facebook virus has manifested itself. You can easily identify the malware by scanning your friends' Wall posts for a not-so-subtle message that reads, "this is without doubt the sexiest video ever! :P :P :P," and is accompanied by a video titled, "Candid Camera Prank [HQ]." If you're lured into clicking on the video, a fake Facebook application window will pop up and tell you that your video player is out of date, and that you need to download an update if you want some sexy time. If you choose to "update," though, the only thing you'll do is smear the exact same malicious video-link combo all over your friends' Walls.

Whoever wrote this dirty little doodad seems to be making money via something known as Hotbar, a toolbar that latches onto Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer, and then directs users to paid advertisements or search engines. According to Microsoft, the bar may also collect personal information from its victims, and may quietly download other updates from its server.

As the Guardian reports, it's still unclear whether or not the social network has taken steps to counteract the spread of the malware. And it could very well change form over the next few hours, depending on how evil the writer is. But, if you're one of the many people who appear to have fallen into the trap, Sophos's Graham Cluley wisely recommends that you "scan your computer with an up-to-date anti-virus, change your passwords, review your Facebook application settings, and learn not to be so quick to fall for a simple social engineering trick like this in future." [From: The Guardian]

Tags: Application, facebook, malware, security, sexy, socialnetworking, toolbar, top, video, virus, viruses