Facebook is making sure its 900 million users are protected from malicious URLs in addition to spam, phishing and viruses. The company announced Wednesday that it’s partnering with Microsoft, McAfee, TrendMicro, Sophos, and Symantec to offer its growing user-base more protection.
“Our URL blacklist system, which scans trillions of clicks per day, will now incorporate the malicious URL databases from these security companies to augment our existing level of protection,” the blog post notes. “So whenever you click a link on our site, you benefit not just from Facebook’s existing protections, but the ongoing vigilance of the world’s leading corporations involved in computer security.”
Taking security measures a step further, Facebook also announced the AV Marketplace. Users can download a six-month license for a full version of anti-virus software from one of Facebook’s new partners, free of charge. Facebook reminds users to “like” its Security Page to receive regular updates from these partners about how to keep data safe from online predators.
“We have had a long standing partnership with McAfee and many others in the security community, and the AV Marketplace will offer users more choice and increase the scope of our partnerships,” Fred Wolens, a Facebook spokesperson, wrote in an email to Mashable. “We believe we have a unique opportunity to provide our users with the software and technology to help keep their data safe both on and off of Facebook.”
Facebook privacy and security has always been an issue the site has aimed to address, as millions of people put detailed personal information on the site. Earlier this month it was reported that Homeland Security searches the social network for keywords that might lead them to breaking crime news. Scammers also use Facebook for ploys such as fake sick baby scams.
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