Cybercrime combating unit warns of new Facebook virus

AMMAN — The cybercrime combating unit on Monday urged the public to beware of a new Internet virus spread through Facebook, used to steal personal information and hijack profiles.

Victims of the virus, a type of malware with the file name “xic.graphics”, receive a Facebook message with a video attachment that has the user’s profile image and name. 

Users who click on the link are redirected to download an attachment to play the video, which infects the computer. 

The virus is able to control the browser and access all data saved to the browser, including passwords and credit card numbers, and pornographic videos may be shared using the victim’s photo.

Efforts are under way to determine how the new virus works and to assess the damage it causes, the cybercrime unit, part of the Public Security Department, said in a statement.

The virus may be able to control all software in infected computers, the unit said, warning the public not to click on links in suspicious messages.

The unit also encouraged Internet users to activate protection and anti-virus programmes. 

Those affected by the virus should change all their passwords and security questions and track payments from credit cards, the statement added. 

Potential victims should search for a folder named “ckodnnokennobkojocomngeambodkfok”, which should be deleted if found, the department added.