Twitter Suspends Accounts of Users With Infected Computers

In a recent effort by Twitter to control the spread of malware, they have decided to suspend accounts of users that have infected computers.

The micro-blogging platform, Twitter, has had a big impact on online communication and social networking. With the such a massive impact comes the unfortunate attacks from hackers spreading malware such as Koobface. Koobface has been a computer parasite that has plagued Twitter and it’s users for months.

Koobface is designed to be spread via Twitter by first checking to see if a user is logged into Twitter and then post deceptive messages on the user’s account. The fraudulent message attempts to lure friends to click a link which will then lead them to a malicious website that may infect the user’s system.

Twitter has been a very big target for hackers recently giving them a stage to spread malicious software. Even the marketing expert Guy Kowasaki, had his Twitter account affected by malware trolls sending his friends to a fake video page that spreads malware.

Koobface is a prevalent infection that has been very successful in spreading malware via Twitter. While other social networks have been primary targets for hackers, Twitter is known for attacks through shortened URL links. With the use of shortened URL link services such as bit.ly or tinyurl, hackers are able to hide the real URL that a user would be redirected to once the link is clicked on. This means a computer user has no idea what site they will be sent to once they click on such a link.

Malware has not only spread on Twitter through the Koobface infection but through fake Twitter accounts that were registered by means of automated tools. Security researchers have reaffirmed that Twitter can take steps to implement a procedure that sends a verification link to an email address of a new registrant. This would ultimately make it more difficult for hackers to register dummy accounts that are used for the sole porpoise of spreading malware or dangerous links.

Will the actions of Twitter suspending accounts belonging to users with infected computers be fair practice?

What about the “innocent” computer users? Computer researchers are reemphasizing that Twitter can take other steps for resolving their malware issues. However, in the meantime, computer users are able to utilize security software to detect early versions of Koobface to remove it. Recent variations of the Koobface worm are using new coding that makes it difficult for security software to detect it. It is also suggested that Twitter users use caution when clicking on a shortened URL no matter which friend on Twitter it comes from