Facebook's millions of users are in the crosshairs of a computer virus dubbed Koobface that is being spread through the social networking site's messaging system.

Users whose computers are infected may have their credit card numbers stolen or their searches on Google, Yahoo and MSN diverted to fraudulent websites.
The malicious code underscores how hackers are increasingly targeting social networking sites including Facebook and MySpace to capitalize on their big audiences. Because social networking sites allow messages only between fellow members who are confirmed friends, many users assume they are safe.
Koobface is spread through messages sent from friends whose computers are infected with the virus. The messages arrive in Facebook inboxes with titles like ""you look just awesome in this new movie"" and direct readers to another website to supposedly watch the clip.
Facebook has warned users not to open suspicious messages and to verify that a friend intentionally sent a link before clicking on it. Users whose accounts are compromised should change their passwords and scan their computers with updated antivirus software.
Separately, Facebook has delayed a plan to allow employees to sell some of the stock options they have in the privately held company because of the bad economy. Many technology insiders have speculated that the shares would no longer get the price they would have last year, when the company's value was pegged at $15 billion when Microsoft bought a 1.6 percent stake.
(Source: San Francisco Chronicle)