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+--- Forum: Facebook apps (/forum-22.html)
+--- Thread: Can you pick up a virus by simply clicking on a question on Answers that is posted by a user? (/thread-63770.html)
Can you pick up a virus by simply clicking on a question on Answers that is posted by a user? - % - 02-28-2013 12:55 AM
Or can you pick up a virus by looking at family members photos via Facebook?
- Rookie - 02-28-2013 01:04 AM
I'm sure its possible but I don't see that happening often. Most of the people get infeceted by downloading, clicking on unknown messages, and going to websites that can't be trusted. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless the user is asking you to click on a url link to another page or something looks suspicious. Hope this helps!
- Dunbar Pappy ÏŸÏŸ - 02-28-2013 01:11 AM
Many instances of folks gettin' directed to a virus, from a bastard 'contributor' here, have and still occur.
Methods to help deflect & avoid these "ambush URLs" are:
1) Spankin' new accounts, created that day should always be suspect;
2) Answers that are vague, and not very specific to your Q (like "This site will help you..." or "A very informative website you can also get much information..." or similar;
3) Direct links to executable files should not be used! Preview all links, without clicking them: in IE, enable 'Status Bar'; Firefox also has theirs on the bottom of the window. Move cursor over a link, and the full URL will appear in on the status bar. Don't even go to links with " .exe " on the end: those are installations.
As for Facebook; several techniques can be employed to 'trick' you to 'update your Java' or other slimeball lure, meant to get you to install rubbish, by clicking a link.
Also, if your browser is set 'loosely', then 'scripted' rubbish can automatically install;
IE is especially targeted (because of enabled 'active scripting').
One of the best ways to avoid malware being installed from the internet is to use Firefox with 'NoScript' add-on as your primary browser, and fall back on IE as a last resort, to view or interact with a sub-standard webpage. Switch back to FF when finished.
Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
"NoScript" add-on: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/search?q=Noscript&cat=all
Run all applications inside 'Sandboxie' for even better security:
http://www.sandboxie.com/