Twitters Trending Topics infected with New Malware Threat

Web security company Panda Security contact twitter for the malicious virus found in twitter's Trending Topics.

Scammers are targeting the service, they say, by creating fake Tweets that include the name of a trending topic. The idea is that you’ll search for a topic to find out what it means, and accidentally click through to the malware sites.

The most common rogue links are called “Twitterbest.mp” and “Zasaden.mp” – do not visit either site.

The Three ways that malware viruses use the trick to misguide twitter users

1. You’ll be taken to a page that prompts you to “upgrade your Flash player” or similar.

2. If you agree to this download, the software installs itself.

3. You receive error messages saying you have a virus and need to download a fake antivirus program they call “Fast Anti-Virus 2009″. This is the end goal of the scam: to get you to pay $89 for the fake anti-virus software.

The Twitter Trending Topics Scam in Pictures

Malicious Tweets and Links in Twitter Search

Prompt to Download Flash or Other Video Software

Virus Warnings and Prompt to Buy Anti-Virus Software