If a Facebook link says “shocking video,” just please don’t click it

If there’s one thing we can learn from Facebook and social networking in general, it’s that if people are enticed with illicit material and anything labeled “shocking,” their anti-malware sensors malfunction.

I’ve been seeing a disappointing number of folks in my Facebook feed “adding” these “sexiest ever” or “most shocking naughty students/shark attack/angry pensioner caught on tape” groups after being lured by the promise of viewing clips that show the promised sex, violence or wipeouts. This particular round is titled in a not very legitimate sounding way to begin with- “OMG The Most Shocking Video Caught On Camera Girl Being Attacked By A Shark.”

Sophos examines the latest Facebook clickjacking attempt that has, by its duplicitous nature, gone viral:

(After opening the page, when) you agree to click on the coloured buttons (and I have to wonder why you would) then you are actually being clickjacked – secretly liking and sharing the link with all of your Facebook friends. You’re in good company at least – thousands of other Facebook users have done the same…

As with previous, similar attacks, the group then mercilessly spams your friends, possibly drawing them in and making you look like a complete noob in the process. On their blog, Sophos chides:

And now you’re a fan of that page they’re free to send your updates and messages, and potentially spam you or send you malicious links. What’s worse – you’ve endorsed the page and shared it with your online mates… All because you wanted to watch a shocking video of a girl being attacked by a shark.

When presented with the dangling “shocking” footage, please bear in mind that this is the internet. If a clip was that horribly awesome, it would be freely available- not behind a series of walls on Facebook. Besides, if you’re really feeling that bloodthirsty, it’s still Shark Week for a couple more days.

[via 1000 Books, 1000 Miles]