Facebook is working with Trend Micro and F-Secure to protect its customers against malware.
In a partnership, free anti-malware software downloads are being incorporated directly into the social network’s abuse detection and prevention systems.
Once the new features are in place, Facebook users will be presented with a warning when a potential malware infection is detected. Depending on the type of threat that’s identified, customers will be advised to download either F-Secure’s Online Scanner, which incorporates the company’s malware scanning and cleanup technology, or Trend Micro’s HouseCall.
Users can refuse to download the software, in which case they might be presented with the notification again at a later time.
While the scanner is running, Facebook customers can continue their regular activities. Once the scan is completed, they will learn through the social media site if the disinfection has been successful or not.
“With trillions of clicks occurring every day on Facebook, the social platform is a tempting target for spammers and criminals,” Trend Micro noted. “HouseCall will mitigate these infectious threats as it detects and alerts users to malicious activity that could compromise user security and privacy.”
Facebook advises users to utilize these malware scanners even if they have other security solutions installed on their computers.
“Facebook’s dramatic global growth has significantly changed how people interact with their friends and family,” said Arto Saari, Product Manager at F-Secure. “In turn, Facebook’s popularity has made it a major target for online criminals. We are pleased to partner with Facebook to stop cybercriminals from taking advantage of Facebook’s user base for malicious ends.”
Facebook Software Engineer Chetan Gowda has revealed that additional software options might be offered in the future.