Beware of the Facebook Friend Request Virus: Protecting Yourself Online

Is my Facebook infected with the Facebook friend request virus? This page includes detailed Facebook friend request virus Removal instructions!

In the vast realm of social media, Facebook continues to dominate as one of the most popular platforms for connecting with friends, family, and acquaintances. However, as with any digital landscape, there are risks that lurk in the shadows. Today, we shed light on a growing concern known as the “Facebook Friend Request Virus.” This malicious scam preys upon unsuspecting users, aiming to exploit their trust and compromise their online security. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this scam and offer valuable tips to protect yourself from falling victim to such schemes.

The Facebook Friend Request Virus: Understanding the Threat

The Facebook Friend Request Virus is a cunning tactic employed by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The scam begins innocently enough with a notification alerting you to a new friend request. Curiosity often prompts users to investigate further, leading them to accept the request without much thought. However, unbeknownst to the user, this seemingly harmless action can have dire consequences.

 

 

How did I get infected with?

Once the friend request is accepted, the virus begins to spread its digital tentacles. theft. One of the primary objectives of the scammer is to obtain your personal data, which can include photos, posts, and contacts. With this information in their possession, they can manipulate it in several ways to perpetuate the scam or even sell it on the dark web, exposing you to a multitude of risks. Identity theft is a significant concern stemming from the Facebook Friend Request Virus. Scammers can use the acquired personal information to assume your identity, opening the door to a range of fraudulent activities. They may create fake accounts or engage in phishing attempts, tricking your friends and contacts into providing further sensitive information or falling victim to financial scams. Furthermore, the scammer’s access to your photos and posts gives them the ability to fabricate false narratives or compromise your reputation. They can create misleading content, share inappropriate material, or even use your identity to propagate harmful or malicious messages. The consequences can extend beyond your online presence, affecting personal relationships, professional prospects, and overall well-being.

Why is having Facebook friend request dangerous?

Financial loss is another potential outcome of the Facebook Friend Request Virus. Armed with your personal data, scammers can exploit it for monetary gain. They may attempt to access your bank accounts, credit cards, or other financial information, leading to unauthorized transactions or draining your funds. Additionally, they might sell your personal data on underground marketplaces, where it can be bought by other criminals looking to commit financial fraud. To mitigate the risks associated with the Facebook Friend Request Virus, it is crucial to exercise caution and maintain a heightened sense of awareness when interacting online. By understanding the potential consequences, users can take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information, maintain strong privacy settings, and report suspicious accounts promptly. Remember, prevention and vigilance are key to protecting yourself against the dangers of this scam and preserving your online security and well-being.

How to Remove Facebook friend request virus

The Facebook friend request infection is specifically designed to make money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus.

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the Facebook friend request infection. Please, follow the procedures in the exact order. Please, consider to print this guide or have another computer at your disposal. You will NOT need any USB sticks or CDs.

STEP 1: Track down Facebook friend request in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate Facebook friend request startup location

STEP 3: Delete Facebook friend request traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down Facebook friend request in the computer memory

• Open your Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Carefully review all processes and stop the suspicious ones.

• Write down the file location for later reference.

Step 2: Locate Facebook friend request startup location

Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

Clean Facebook friend request virus from the windows registry

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to: %appdata% folder and delete the malicious executable.

Clean your HOSTS file to avoid unwanted browser redirection

Navigate to %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/host

If you are hacked, there will be foreign IPs addresses connected to you at the bottom. Take a look below:

STEP 3 : Clean Facebook friend request traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

• Open Google Chrome

• In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
• Remove the Facebook friend request by clicking on the little recycle bin
• Reset Google Chrome by Deleting the current user to make sure nothing is left behind

• Open Mozilla Firefox

• Press simultaneously Ctrl+Shift+A
• Disable the unwanted Extension
• Go to Help
• Then Troubleshoot information
• Click on Reset Firefox

• Open Internet Explorer

• On the Upper Right Corner Click on the Gear Icon
• Click on Internet options
• go to Toolbars and Extensions and disable the unknown extensions
• Select the Advanced tab and click on Reset

• Restart Internet Explorer

Step 4: Undo the damage done by Facebook friend request

This particular Virus may alter your DNS settings.

Attention! this can break your internet connection. Before you change your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS for Facebook friend request, be sure to write down the current server addresses on a piece of paper.

To fix the damage done by the virus you need to do the following.

• Click the Windows Start button to open the Start Menu, type control panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results displayed above.
• go to Network and Internet
• then Network and Sharing Center
• then Change Adapter Settings
• Right-click on your active internet connection and click properties. Under the Networking tab, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Left click on it and then click on properties. Both options should be automatic! By default it should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and the second one to “Obtain DNS server address automatically!” If they are not just change them, however if you are part of a domain network you should contact your Domain Administrator to set these settings, otherwise the internet connection will break!!!

You must clean all your browser shortcuts as well. To do that you need to

• Right click on the shortcut of your favorite browser and then select properties.

• in the target field remove Facebook friend request argument and then apply the changes.
• Repeat that with the shortcuts of your other browsers.
• Check your scheduled tasks to make sure the virus will not download itself again.

How to Permanently Remove Facebook friend request Virus (automatic) Removal Guide

Please, have in mind that once you are infected with a single virus, it compromises your system and let all doors wide open for many other infections. To make sure manual removal is successful, we recommend to use a free scanner of any professional antimalware program to identify possible registry leftovers or temporary files.