Shocking events like the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 usually stir up hackers’ temptation to spread computer malware or steal personal data, such as passwords or credit card details from gullible people. The scheme is actually simple, yet very effective:

• Hackers create malicious websites that bring trojans to victims’ computers or impersonate websites like Facebook or PayPal
• They start spreading the site with catchy headlines, like “Shocking News! Found Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370” and using phrases like “You Won’t Believe This!”, “Terrible Accident” etc. through various channels:
  • Facebook posts
  • Spammy e-mail messages
  • Skype messages
• Unsuspecting computer users then click on such links expecting useful information, however not only they won’t get it, but they also might have been caught already by cyber criminals. Clicking on the mentioned links may also share the malicious “article” or video to their friends, increasing the likelihood of getting them infected as well.

If you see such posts or shares on your Facebook wall, you should be alarmed. It is advisable to change your Facebook password immediately and remove the shared post to prevent others from getting infected as well. If your friend shares the shocking story with you, carefully check the link you’ll be directed to – it might be a scam. If the address seems phishy, do not click on the link and let your friend know he/she might have gotten a virus on their PC.

Scanning your computer against viruses and spyware is highly recommended. Our personal favorite anti-malware application is SpyHunter, which not only removes malicious files from your PC, but also actively monitors all running processes to prevent an attack on your PC.

It might be tempting to watch that shocking video, but it is better to be safe than sorry.