Catching up on Facebook is great—until you click on a link from a long-lost friend claiming there’s a “secret video” of you. Suddenly, your account is spamming that same link to everyone you know.
You’ve likely encountered a Facebook virus, but don’t worry. We’ll show you how to remove it, identify different types of threats, and prevent future issues. Follow our steps to secure your account and get back to sharing updates safely.
Boost Your Online Security on Facebook and Beyond
Removing a Facebook virus is one thing, but why stop there? Boost your online security with CyberGhost VPN. It encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data or inject malware while you’re browsing on Facebook.
CyberGhost VPN also keeps you protected on other sites. With premium VPN features like ad-blocking and malware protection, you’ll stay safer online and have an extra layer of defense against threats.
What Is a Facebook Virus?
A Facebook virus is malicious software or scams that target users via messages, posts, suspicious links, or third-party apps. These threats aim to steal your personal data, hijack your account, or infect your device. Facebook viruses can lead to serious issues:
- Spam messages or posts sent without your knowledge.
- Compromised personal data or linked accounts (like Instagram).
- Malware that tracks your activity or extorts money.
- Account slowdowns, crashes, or lockouts.
While Facebook has strong security measures, some viruses can still slip through.
Facebook Virus: How to Know If You Have One
Clicked on a suspicious Facebook link and now worried your account might be compromised? Before things spiral, follow our steps to steps to remove any potential Facebook virus. Identifying threats early can make all the difference in preventing serious damage.
Here are common signs that indicate your account may have been hacked or infected by a virus:
Strange Messages
If messages are being sent to your friends that you didn’t write, especially links or content that feels out of character, this is a red flag.
Unexplained Activity
Your account might like, comment on, or share posts without your input. Check your activity log for any actions you didn’t perform.
Friend Requests to Strangers
If you notice friend requests being sent to people you don’t know, your account could be compromised.
Profile Changes
Look for any changes to your profile photo, cover photo, or bio that you didn’t make. These could indicate unauthorized access.
| Signs you have a Facebook Virus | On PC | On Mobile |
| App crashing and freezing | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Slow, overheating device | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Popups with no application running | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Push notifications with no application running | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Apps installed without your knowledge or permission | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| New toolbars in the browser | ✔️ | ❌ |
4 Common Facebook Viruses to Watch Out For
1. Facebook Messenger Virus
This is the most common Facebook malware, where hackers use compromised accounts to send curious, clickbait messages like “Look who died” or a simple “Hahaha.” These messages often contain emojis, shortened links, and appear in multiple languages. Clicking leads to one of three things:
- A fake Facebook login page to steal your details.
- A download link that installs a trojan on your device.
- Redirects to inappropriate sites, sometimes used for extortion.
Watch for signs like spam messages sent from your account, unwanted posts, or unfamiliar logins in your account history.
2. Facebook Tagged Post Virus
Someone on your friends list tagged you in a post. You check and see a post with a shortened link and some random words. Normally you’ll see a bunch of other people tagged too. Same as above, the link will typically lead you to:
- A fake login page that is used to steal your details
- A page that asks you to download a malicious file
3. Facebook Virus Popup
Have you seen your browser show a message like this before?
These popups are common. They’ll ask if you want notifications from a web address (like “facebook-info.com”) even when you’re not on Facebook. If you see anything suspicious like “facebook-info.com” or “facebook[anything].com,” don’t click. It’s a tactic to load a Facebook popup virus onto your device, flooding you with ads and popups.
Watch for messages like these:
-
- 🛑 Congratulations! Your profile was selected by Facebook.
- 🛑 See who visits your profile.
- 🛑 Buy iPhone for 1€!
- 🛑 WARNING: Your Page will be unpublished!
Most of these popup links lead to phishing scams and other malicious sites.
4. OMG Facebook Game Virus
OMG focuses on a series of quizzes designed to keep you entertained, with titles like… “what type of soup are you?! While you might learn what your favorite Marvel character is, it comes at the price of your posting history, your account details, and your contact list.
A lot of people reported being locked out of their accounts after playing third-party OMG quizzes. Their accounts were then used to spread trojans and worms to their contact lists.
How to Remove a Facebook Virus From Your Account, Browser & Desktop
If you suspect you have a Facebook virus, it’s important to act quickly. To delete all traces of the virus there are three areas to look at: your Facebook account, browser, and operating system.
1. Remove Suspicious App Permissions from Your Facebook Account
- Click on the Gear icon in the top right corner.
- Open Privacy Settings.
- Go to Apps. You’ll see a list of apps connected to your account.
- Click on Edit and delete any suspicious apps.
2. Secure Your Facebook Account
- Next, it’s important to secure your Facebook account. Visit the Facebook Hacked page and follow their guidelines to restore your account’s security.
- Consider changing your password to something strong and unique for extra safety.
3. Check Your Browser for Viruses or Malicious Extensions
Ensure that the Facebook popup virus isn’t lingering in your browser.
Pro-tip: These steps for Google Chrome are similar for most Chromium-based browsers, like Brave and Vivaldi.
Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions in the address bar.
- Press Enter.
- Look for extensions you don’t remember installing and click Remove.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox and type about:addons in the address bar.
- Press Enter.
- Click on Extensions, look for unfamiliar ones, and click Remove.
Microsoft Edge:
- Open the browser and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select Extensions.
- Look for suspicious extensions, right-click, and select Uninstall.
Safari:
- Open Safari and click on the Safari menu in the top left corner.
- Select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab and click Uninstall to remove any suspicious extensions.
Pro Tip: If the virus persists after clearing extensions, consider reinstalling your browser. Be cautious not to import settings from the old version to avoid bringing the virus back.
4. Remove the Virus from Your Operating System
On Windows:
- Go to Control Panel.
- Select Programs and Features.
- Find the program flagged by CyberGhost VPN.
- Click on Uninstall.
Optional step: Use the CyberGhost VPN Security Suite for a thorough scan:
- Open CyberGhost VPN.
- Select the antivirus from your dashboard.
- Click on Full Scan.
- Delete any suspicious files flagged by CyberGhost Antivirus.
On macOS:
- Open Finder.
- Go to the Applications folder.
- Look for suspicious software, right-click, and select Move to Trash.
- Right-click the Trash bin in your Dock and select Empty Trash.
How to Remove Facebook Virus (iPhone & Android)
The steps to remove a Facebook virus from your mobile device are similar to other operating systems. Make sure you’ve run an antivirus scan on your phone first, then follow these steps:
- Secure your Facebook account:
- Open the Facebook app.
- Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) (three horizontal lines on Android; bottom right corner on iPhone).
- Scroll down and tap on Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
- Under Security, tap Security and Login.
- Review the Where You’re Logged In section. If you see any devices you don’t recognize, tap on them and choose Log Out.
- Scroll down to Change Password and update your password to something strong and unique.
- Remove Suspicious Apps:
- On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager.
- Find and uninstall any suspicious or unrecognized apps.
- On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap App Tracking.
- Remove any suspicious apps.
- On Android:
- Clear Browser Cache:
- On Android:
- Open Settings > Apps > select your browser (e.g., Chrome).
- Tap Storage, then Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- On Android:
- Reinstall the Facebook App (if necessary):
- Tap and hold the Facebook app until it jiggles (iPhone) or shows options (Android).
- Select Remove App (iPhone) or Uninstall (Android).
- Reinstall the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Secure your Facebook account:
How to Protect Yourself from Viruses on Facebook
Prevention is the best way to guard against Facebook viruses. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Use a Reliable Antivirus Solution
An antivirus is essential for safeguarding your devices against malware, including viruses, trojans, and adware. It helps detect and remove harmful software before it can cause damage. Regular scans and real-time protection ensure that you stay ahead of potential threats, including:
Windows users can boost their security with CyberGhost VPN’s Security Suite. Our antivirus defends against viruses, trojans, and worms, with constant updates to tackle the latest threats. Plus, your subscription includes CyberGhost VPN for all-in-one protection.
2. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links
Always think twice before clicking links, especially from unknown sources. If the sender is someone you know, ask yourself:
- Why did they send the link? Did you request it?
- Where did they send it? Is this their usual method of communication?
- What do they want? Are they trying to get you to click without context?
If you’re using a mouse, you can usually hover over a link to preview the URL. If you see strange characters or untrusted domains in the URL, don’t click.
3. Don’t Download Files from Untrusted Sources
Files can contain harmful code. This includes spyware, trojans, and adware. Be cautious, especially with:
- Unsecure HTTP sites
- Files received via email, messages, or SMS
- P2P file-sharing services
Always download from trusted sources like official websites or app stores. Read the terms and conditions before installing any software, and be wary of portable media from unknown people.
4. Update Your Browser and System Regularly
Outdated browsers and operating systems can harbor vulnerabilities. Regular updates provide security patches that protect against viruses and malware. Enable automatic updates for your system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. Consider using privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Tor for added security.
5. Enable Notifications Your Facebook Account
A strong account is harder to hack. Enable login alerts and two-factor authentication (2FA):
Login alerts will ask you every time you log in if it’s really you. If it’s not, you have an intruder on your hands. Enable login alerts in 5 quick steps:
- Go to Security and Login Settings.
- Scroll down to Get alerts about unrecognized logins.
- Click Edit.
- Choose whether you want to receive alerts through email or Facebook notifications.
- Click Save changes.
2FA helps secure your account in addition to your password. Facebook allows 3 methods to authenticate your login:
- Text message (SMS) codes sent to your phone number
- A security key on a compatible device
- Login codes from a third-party authentication app
Decide which is the better choice for you, then enable 2FA:
- Go to Security and Login Settings
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication
- Click Edit
- Select your security method and follow the on-screen instructions
6. Use a VPN, Especially on Public Wi-Fi
Using a VPN like CyberGhost keeps you safe on Facebook, especially when browsing on public Wi-Fi. Public networks often lack proper security, making it easier for cybercriminals to monitor your activity or steal your information.
CyberGhost VPN encrypts your connection, blocking anyone from snooping on your data or accessing sensitive details like your login credentials. This means you can browse, message friends, or check your account without worrying about hackers intercepting your activity.
By keeping your data private and protected from prying eyes, CyberGhost helps prevent phishing attacks, data interception, and malware injections—common threats to Facebook users on unsecured networks.
FAQs
Yes, you can get a virus by clicking on links shared on Facebook, especially if they come from unknown sources. Malicious links can lead to phishing sites or download malware onto your device. To protect yourself, consider using CyberGhost VPN, which encrypts your connection and adds a layer of security against potential threats.
If you see a Facebook virus warning, take it seriously. First, do not click on any suspicious links. Report the warning to Facebook and run a security scan on your device.
The “OMG” game on Facebook has raised significant security concerns. While it appears as a fun quiz or game, engaging with it can expose your personal information to third parties without your explicit consent. Additionally, it may send unsolicited messages to your friends, potentially compromising their accounts as well. To safeguard your privacy and security, it’s advisable to avoid participating in such games and quizzes on social media platforms.
Facebook does not provide a built-in virus scanner. You can still use reliable antivirus software to scan your device for malware that may have come from Facebook. Make sure your antivirus is up to date so that it can detect threats.
To remove a Facebook virus, follow these steps:
- Secure Your Facebook Account:
- Change your password immediately.
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login. Review where you’re logged in and log out of any unfamiliar devices.
- Revoke Suspicious App Permissions:
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites.
- Remove any apps or websites you don’t recognize.
- Check Your Browser for Malicious Extensions:
- For Chrome: Type chrome://extensions/ and remove any extensions you don’t remember adding.
- For other browsers like Firefox or Edge, access the extensions or add-ons section to review and delete suspicious ones.
- Clear Your Browser Data:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove any lingering data that may be related to the virus.
- Run a Full System Scan:
- Use a reputable antivirus program to scan your computer or device for malware.
- Reinstall the Facebook App (If Necessary):
- If the virus persists, uninstall the Facebook app and reinstall it from the official app store.
Leave a comment