Facebook ‘password stealer’ websites are SCAMS which will riddle your computer or smartphone with dangerous malware
NOSY parkers who try to access lovers or pals Facebook accounts could end up getting into trouble themselves.
There's a Facebook password stealer scam doing the rounds - and if you fall foul of it there could be grave consequences.
There are several websites and apps which claim to be "Facebook Password Stealers", which can be found online and on fake app stores found through Google searches.
Plenty of YouTube videos have been posted showing the spoof method too.
But the password nicking software will actually steal your own personal information instead and in some instances, take control of your smartphone or computer by installing a piece malware called a Trojan.
Often, trojans will remain unnoticed, secretly recording things like keystrokes so hackers can collect personal information you type into websites such as your web banking details or the credit card and address information you hand over when buying online.
What is ransomware?
- Ransomware is a virus which takes over a device (or computer) and freezes its files.
- Hackers use it to hold the recipient to ransom, asking for money in return for access to their documents.
- The ransomware can be spread by accidentally clicking a bad link.It’s often shared in an email, or in some cases hackers could booby-trap a website they know employees will visit, like a government portal.
- In the case of the NHS, the virus could block access to patient data or operation schedules.
- As hospital bosses are left frantically trying to access the corrupted files, hackers will step in to ask for money in return.
- Security experts always advise against paying a ransom, as hackers will often destroy the files anyway.
- Criminal gangs will send out thousands of these emails, called phishing scams, in the hope that just a few will click on the link.
Downloading apps that aren't in the Apple store or Google Play store puts you at risk.
They're often hiding nasty bugs including ransomware - like the kind that brought down 40 NHS trusts earlier this year.
What to do if your computer is infected by ransomware
- First of all, take a very quick picture of the ransomware 'splash screen'.
- Then switch your computer off immediately to avoid infecting other computers on the network.
- Don't pay the ransom fee, because you probably won't get your files back.
- Use antivirus software to clean your system.
- If this doesn't work, you should restore your computer from the back-ups you sensibly make every few weeks.
- You may have to wipe the device and start again if the infection is too grim.
- Make sure your system is updated with the latest software patches in order to stave off further attacks.
Ransomware takes over your phones or PCs and locks all your files.
Hackers claim that if you deposit money using cryptocurrency bitcoin, they will give you a key to unscramble the files and free up your device.
But often victims hand over the cash and never receive this key.
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