Sophos is urging Facebook users not to panic, after alerts were posted by thousands of users warning of a new virus sending out large numbers of friend suggestions. The warnings have gained momentum in recent days, against the backdrop of increased concern and high-profile media reports about privacy and security controversies on Facebook.
However, Sophos advises, there is no evidence that the multiple friend suggestions (some people report having received over 500) are due to a computer virus infection.
Graham Cluley, Senior Technology Consultant, Sophos, said, "Rumours of a virus can propagate at breathtaking speeds on social networks, and can be hard to stamp out. Just one person who has been left in the dark about the facts can kick-start them again." He further explains that Facebook has changed the way in which it handles friend suggestions, now sending notifications to both the person you are suggesting a friend to and the suggested friend too."
Furthermore, Facebook can automatically suggest friends based upon many factors, including shared networks, work and education information and friends imported using Friend Finder.
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