Facebook has rolled out a new dedicated e-mail address, phish@fb.com, for its users to help the social network block scammers.
While the popularity of Facebook has made the site a longstanding target for cyber criminals, the introduction of Facebook e-mail addresses have added yet another means for users to be targeted in phishing attacks. The social network is now encouraging its users to make use of the newly created e-mail address to report any potential attacks.
While Facebook has extensive algorithms and automated systems to detect malicious content, there are still those that evade the social network's security. It is hoped that by getting users to report suspicious content, the site will be better protected as a whole.
“By providing Facebook with reports, we can investigate and request browser blacklisting and site takedowns where appropriate. We will then work with our eCrime team to ensure we hold bad actors accountable. Additionally, in some cases, we'll be able to identify victims, and secure their accounts,” says Facebook.
“This new reporting channel will complement internal systems we have in place to detect phishing sites attempting to steal Facebook user login information.”
“Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests for login or financial information, and remember, unless the e-mail is digitally signed, you can't be sure it wasn't forged or 'spoofed'. Don't use the links in an e-mail, instant message, or chat to get to any Web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic or you don't trust the sender; instead navigate to the Web site directly.”
Facebook adds: “While rare, we hope that you forward us any phishing attempts you encounter. Together we can help keep these sites off the Web and hold the bad guys responsible.”
Extra precautions
In April, Facebook launched its own Antivirus Marketplace, which serves to offer its users free licences for anti-virus software, and provides a combined URL blacklist from five of the biggest security companies. Users can download anti-virus software from Microsoft, McAfee, Sophos, Symantec and TrendMicro via the marketplace.
In October last year, Facebook revealed that between 250 000 to 600 000 user logins are potentially compromised per day on the social network. Facebook said it “roadblocks” such accounts in order to run security software on the account until it can be certified clean.
Facebook explains that accounts are “compromised” in the sense that the site is not confident that the account's true owner is accessing the account, and as a result, access is either pre-emptively or retroactively blocked. Accounts are also blocked if the owner is accessing the account from a computer infected with malware.
“We are being preventative and helping make sure people secure their account even if they aren't actually compromised on Facebook.”
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