The only reason to write this post is that since last few days, Facebook Spam attack is brutally increased and people (obviously non-geeks) are suffering from this spam attack.

First of all, I would like to explain to you how this spam attack works. This attack uses a JavaScript code which is hidden in an iframe in the websites who generally generate this attack. The JavaScript code has been written in such a way that first it connects to your facebook account as soon you click those links or visit to the website. It’s easier for them to connect because you are already logged in to your facebook account. Hence, it is easier for them to run the Facebook javascripts remotely. Once the code connects to your facebook account, it runs FB.Share javascript which is generally used in Facebook when you share anything. All the required information for this FB.Share JavaScript command is hidden in the same iframe code in that website. Hence, it gets shared on your profile and using an iteration loop, it gets shared on your friend’s profile too.

This technique is generally known as Clickjacking, a Black Hat technique in Search Engine Optimization field. The only purpose for the attacker is to get the traffic. However, there are few simple and easy ways by which you can avoid these types of attacks:

1. Genuine Video/Photo Link Identification: The first and easy step is the identification of the link whether it is a genuine Facebook link or a Spammer’s link. Below, a comparison is shown between both the types of links. 

The area named “1” shows the “Play” button. You can easily compare the design of the button. Facebook has a set of icons and it doesn’t get changed if you post a different type of video.

The area named “2” shows the URL (Link) of the website where this video is located. You can see the color of the genuine link is Blue while that of Fake is Grey.

Also, compare the sizes of thumbnails of both the types of links. Please try to identify the real thing and when you have done that, simply delete the fake one.

2. If you are Too Desperate: If you are really desperate to see “Justin Bieber gets STABBED ” or “How did that happen to her” or “What happened on live television” (your stupidity) then also there is a way for this. Please see that I don’t recommend this step but still writing for the sake of possibility.

Copy the link of the video through right-click, log-out from Facebook, paste it in your Address bar and then check what it is actually. Alternatively, you can also open another browser in which you have not logged-in to your facebook account and check it.  Make sure you do it in incognito mode.

You can also follow this guide to protect your privacy while browsing Facebook to avoid location targetted spam attacks.

3. A Check on Facebook Pages: Many trolls or personal facebook pages promote this spam so please make sure you don’t click to unknown links shared on various Facebook pages even if it makes you emotional through its title. 

4. Avoid using Fake Apps: There are many Facebook apps available which can tell you number of visitors on your profile or “who has un-friend you but none of them is actually genuine. Facebook is strict with their Privacy Policy and doesn’t allow this, even through their API functions. Please avoid using these Apps.

5. Use Report Post Function: Facebook provides a feature to report abuse any post which is offensive or against the policy of Facebook. Please always report to any spam post you have experienced because it helps Facebook developers to fight against these spam techniques.

Few points to note:

*Please see that first of all, it’s not a ‘virus’. It’s a black hat SEO trick.
*”Hackers are not posting it”; it will get posted if you are unaware of the ways to avoid spam.

If you still have any problems or encountered any new kind of attack, please tell us and we will help you. If you need a quick response, join us on Facebook.

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