What Is Facebook Friend Request Virus?
In this article, we aim to inform you about the recently detected Facebook Friend Request Virus and provide you help with the removal process in case you experience symptoms of this virus on your device.
Being one of the most popular social media networks Facebook is often targeted by cyber criminals. The vast variety of malicious tricks they utilize is now supplemented by a fraud dubbed Facebook Friend Request Virus. The virus was first detected several years ago.
Recently a new variation of the scam has gone viral. Beware that in some cases the Facebook Friend Request Virus could let hackers take control of your account. Hence, an infection with it could lead to serious security issues with your Facebook profile and device as well.
Detailed Review of Facebook Friend Request Virus
The malicious campaigns associated with Facebook Friend Request Virus are designed to send target users hoax messages that warn about them about strange activities performed from their Facebook profiles.
As found in a post published on the Facebook Help Community, the first friend request virus campaigns were spotted 4 years ago. The initial campaigns of this scam were realized via email notifications for new friend requests from unfamiliar users. This version of the scam was intended to convince users accepting a request from hackers’ controlled profiles.
Regarding the recently detected campaigns of Facebook Friend Request Virus, they were reported to deliver hoax messages directly in users’ messenger. So in the event that your profile is among the affected you will see the following message in your Facebook Messenger:
“Hi….I actually got another friend request from you yesterday…which I ignored so you may want to check your account. Hold your finger on the message until the forward button appears…then hit forward and all the people you want to forward too….I had to do the people individually. Good Luck! PLEASE DO NOT ACEPT A NEW ONE FROM ME AT THIS TIME”
The message could appear to be sent from a Facebook friend whose profile has been cologned or controlled by cybercriminals. It may also be sent from a user who is out of your friends’ list. The purpose of this hoax message is to trick you into forwarding it to all the people in your friends’ list. At this point, the message seems to be just another hoax that attempts to flood the network and gain popularity. However, several modifications of the scam may let attackers take control of your account for real. As a consequence, they may become able to access all sensitive data stored in your Facebook profile. They can also reset your profile password which will limit your access to the social media account.
Here are several other variants of the nasty Facebook Friend Request Scams:
Please tell all the contacts in your messenger list not to accept anything from Fabrizio Brambilla. He has a foto with a dog. He is a hacker and has the system connected to your messanger account. If one of your contacts accepts it, you will also be hacked, so make sure that all your friends know it. Thanks. Forwarded as received.
ALERT!!!!! ALERT!!!!! Don’t accept a friend request from Maggie from Sweden, she is a HACKER.Tell everyone on your list cause if someone on your list adds her then she will be on yours too. She will figure out your computer ID and address, so send this to everyone on your list even if you don’t care for them cause if she hacks them, she hacks YOU too. She is also noted for repeated sexual harrasment and indecent private chatting.
BEWARE!!! DO NOT ACCEPT A FRIEND REQUEST FROM TANNER DWYER, CHRISTOPHER BUTTERFIELD, STEFANIA COLAC AND ALEJANDO SPILJNER. THESE ARE HACKERS SO PUT IT ON YOUR WALL. IF SOMEONE ADD’S THEM THEY TAKE YOUR CONTACTS, EMPTY YOUR COMPUTER AND ADDRESSES, SO COPY AND PASTE THIS ON YOUR WALL.
Eventually, the entry of any of the listed Facebook Friend Request Virus variants in your messenger could lead to serious issues related to the security of all data you shared on the platform. Furthermore, hackers may also attempt to use the obtained information to compromise your device or extort a ransom from you to let you enter your profile again. To prevent this virus from going viral spread the word and inform your friends as soon as possible.
To sum up, when your Facebook profile is affected by a friend request virus it is advisable to scan your device for any present suspicious files. By doing this you will be able to remove harmful files and be sure that your PC is clean and secure. In addition, you should definitely change your Facebook password. You can also consider changing the email address associated with the profile.
Remove Facebook Viruses from Your Smartphone and Your PC
In case you have been affected by these nasty Facebook viruses and experienced the symptoms mentioned above we strongly recommend you to follow the guide with removal instructions below. The steps could help you remove these viruses from either from your computer or your smartphone.
Delete Facebook Friend Request Virus from your smartphone
Hard-Reset Your Smartphone
For Apple iPhone and iPad Devices:
Option I: Via the device
1.Back up your data using iCloud or another backup method.
2. Go to the Settings menu and go to General.
3. On the bottom, tap on Reset.
4. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Confirm it by tapping on the red Erase button and then type your password.
Option II: Via iTunes
1. Connect your device and open iTunes.
2. Click on the device‘s name and model to open the dialog box.
3. From there, click on the button “Restore”
For Android Devices:
After you have backed up your files, you should perform a clean wipe-out of your phone. This can happen either via one of the options in Safe Mode or by entering your device’s Recovery Mode. Several methods exist in order to enter Recovery Mode of your device:
For Nexus Devices: – Hold the Volume Down + Volume Up + Power button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset option. Nexus 4 may work with Volume Up + Power + Volume Down.
For Samsung Devices: – Hold the Volume Up + Power Button + Home Button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset option.
For Motorola Droid X Devices: Hold the Home Button + Power Button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset setting.
For other devices with camera buttons on them: Hold the Volume Up + Camera Button until a Recovery Menu appears. After this, you should choose the Wipe Data/Factory reset option.
Also in case you have backed up your device in a Google Account, you will be able to restore your data after a complete wipe-out by just logging into your Google Account with you email and password.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
Follow Me:
Preparation before removing Facebook Friend Request Virus.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Facebook Friend Request Virus
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Facebook Friend Request Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Facebook Friend Request Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Step 3: Find virus files created by Facebook Friend Request Virus on your PC.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
<
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for Facebook Friend Request Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Facebook Friend Request Virus FAQ
What Does Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan Do?
The Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
What Damage Can Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan Cause?
The Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan is a malicious type of malware that can cause significant damage to computers, networks and data. It can be used to steal information, take control of systems, and spread other malicious viruses and malware.
Is Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan a Harmful Virus?
Yes, it is. A Trojan is a type of malicious software that is used to gain unauthorized access to a person's device or system. It can damage files, delete data, and even steal confidential information.
Can Trojans, Like Facebook Friend Request Virus Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Facebook Friend Request Virus, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.R
Can a Trojan Virus be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan Virus can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed.
Can Facebook Friend Request Virus Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Are Trojans Hard to Remove?
Yes, Trojans can be very hard to remove as they often disguise themselves as legitimate programs, making them difficult to detect and extremely tricky to remove.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Facebook Friend Request Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Facebook Friend Request Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Facebook Friend Request Virus?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Facebook Friend Request Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. Trojan Horse – What Is It?
2. Trojanized AnyDesk App Delivered through Fake Google Ads
3. Hackers Continue to Use Malicious Excel 4.0 Macros to Deliver Banking Trojans
4. Ficker Infostealer Uses Fake Spotify Ads to Propagate
5. Jupyter Infostealer Malware Targets Chrome and Firefox Browser Data