Users of the world's most popular social networking site Facebook have been plunged into confusion following rumours that a virus is spreading across the site.
Reports of the virus first started at the end of last week with the emergence of a new application called Fan Check.
Security companies are yet to conclude the severity of the rumoured virus. Experts are leaning towards the possibility that the 'virus' is in fact a hoax designed to drive users to potentially dangerous websites.
Leading online security company Sophos have been tracking the threat.
Senior Technology Consultant, Graham Cluley said: "We haven't been able to confirm that the Fan Check application is malicious in itself, although some Facebook users appear to be concerned that it might be behaving inappropriately. However, what is definitely happening is that fear about the application is leading internet users into danger."
Google have reported substantial numbers of people seeking information on the threat. Hackers and people involved in websites hosting malicious code have already created pages to entice people searching for terms related to Fancheck.
Mal Evans of Liverpool based web development company Click Creative believes it won't be the last threat:
"We have recently seen many false stories spread like wildfire across the Facebook platform. From the false reporting of celebrity deaths to inaccurate allegations. It was only a matter of time before rogue coders acted upon the instant nature of social media".
Facebook are yet to make a comment but the general advice seems to be stay away from the application and always verify that when entering your login details you are indeed on the site you intend to be.
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