Information has now been released that a hacker used malware techniques to steal thousands of Facebook accounts in February, then selling them in bulk on the black market. Verisign’s iDefense director announced that the act is one of many that are taking place across the US. Individuals steal log-in data for Facebook accounts by using malware techniques that track computer keystrokes, and phishing techniques that make Facebook users think they are logging in on an actual Facebook website that is a convincing fake.

World Domination via Facebook Malware

The crime is only the first step in a master plan of social network domination. The stolen Facebook accounts can be used to send fraudulent messages to the user’s friends, spread harmful links, and view sensitive information such as birthdates and home addresses which can be used toward identity theft. Thus, if you are linked to any of the thousands of accounts that were stolen, you may be at risk.

To battle malware attacks on your laptop computer or desktop computer, you should have an updated version of a good anti-virus and anti-spyware program. Anti-spyware software is not necessarily invincible, so if you end up in the market for a computer repair company, call A+ Mobile PC Doctors, the experts in Boston computer repair, at 1-617-723-1986. Our insured technicians offer onsite computer repair and remote desktop PC repair services, virus removal, spyware removal, and more — see our website for a full list of computer repair services.

I’m hoping you don’t have an account on Blippy.com, because if you do you’re in danger of having your credit card information stolen. Blippy.com is a new social networking site for online shopping that isn’t doing a very good job of keeping its customers’ credit card numbers and names under wraps. Equals identity theft. Case in point, this Google search results screenshot courtesy of Gizmodo.com:

Yep, Nate Marshall and Bradd Dantuma should probably consider dumping all of the funds out of their debit card accounts because their full names and credit card numbers are now on the web for all to see. Most of the tech websites that are buzzing about Blippy.com recommend that if you DO have a Blippy account, disable it immediately.

On that note, here are some computer security tips from A+ Mobile PC Doctors, an onsite computer repair company in Boston that has been the area’s top source for efficient computer repair services in Boston since 2002.

• Make sure all your computer security programs are up-to-date.
• When accessing public wifi, DON’T go shopping or log into your online banking account!
• Don’t copy-paste passwords or other sensitive information. It’s easy for websites to steal the information you’ve left on your clipboard. Find out how to disable this on Internet Explorer.

For more computer security tips and computer repair tips, bookmark the Computer Repair Services Blog.