| Name | Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax |
| Type | Online scam, usually containing malware |
| Short Description | The scam is of unknown origin and is spread via Facebook posts. |
| Symptoms | Posting on others behalf without users consent. |
| Distribution Method | Distributed by spam posts in the form of status update. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by Msert.exe |
| User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax. |
Have you ever seen one of those messages?:
→“ATTENTION!!! Facebook changed their policy and privacy settings again! Because of the new ‘Graph App’ anyone on Facebook from anywhere will be able to see your pictures, likes and comments online!”
Status updates on this subject have been bothering users for too long and experts advise not to trust them in any way. Yes, it is true that Facebook makes profit on users’ content but what is not true is that anyone can see the hidden content on your profile. This hoax has been spreading in multiple forms some of which include claims addressed to Facebook that the user forbids this act of privacy violation.
Facebook Hoax – How Is It Spread?
The most probable reason for this message to spread is via a spam bot on the social network itself. It may be in the form of a browser extension the user has added to their web browser or a virus on the computer itself. Either way, some malicious applications gain administrative access over the browser of the user which enables them to execute scripts that post on users’ behalf. The type of programs are called spam bots. Be on the lookout for the many variants of this post and immediately take actions in case you notice that you posted it, unknowingly.
Facebook Privacy Policy Scam – How To Detect and Remove
In case you have seen this post on one of your friends wall or your profile has it without your consent, you should follow the instructions below. They will help you detect any viruses and unwanted apps if there are any existing on your computer and get rid of them. Also make sure you don’t click on any suspicious links in status updates related to this hoax, because they may infect your computer with malware. A lot of cyber-criminals use different hoaxes to induce fear in inexperienced Facebook users. The only tool to detect whether or not the status update has been administered by an unwanted program on your computer is an anti-malware program. You should follow the instructions below to scan your computer for any malware related to the Facebook Privacy Policy Scam.
If you are not infected but still there was a post on your behalf, make sure to check what Facebook groups/games you have given permissions to and make sure you change your password.
Step 1: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax Related Malware.
Removing Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax Related Malware from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Removing Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax Related Malware from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Substep 1:
Open the Start Menu
Substep 2:
Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Substep 3:
After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Substep 4:
You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Substep 5:
After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Substep 6:
Click on Restart.
Substep 7:
A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax Related Malware.
Step 2: Remove Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax Related Malware automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all Facebook Privacy Policy Hoax Related Malware associated objects.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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