New social media virus looks like video link

UNDATED - Social media butterflies beware - hackers have launched a new attack on Facebook and Twitter that will infect your computer if you're not careful.

The worm comes in the form of a message in your Facebook inbox or a direct message on your Twitter feed. The subject line in these messages often reads "Here's a new video of you," and it may come from your friends in your network.

The worm infects your computer once you click the link and download the software needed to see the non-existent video.

WTOP's Technical Manager Brian Oliger says anytime an e-mail asks you to download something, you should be very suspicious. He says the best way to deter these messages is to change the password you use to sign into social networks.

"I know it's a pain, but changing your password frequently is the most effective way you can prevent your Twitter or Facebook account from being hacked," says Oliger.

If the worm does infect your computer, you run the risk of spreading the worms to anyone in your social network.

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