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Facebook offers users more security with Malware Checkpoint

Facebook offers users more security with Malware Checkpoint

By KS Sandhya Iyer | Updated: 11 July 2012 16:14 IST

Facebook today introduced a new security feature for its users to combat malware on the social networking site. Dubbed Malware Checkpoint, users can make use of the proactive feature that will make it easier to remove malware threats before they spread on the site.

The announcement came via a Facebook Security blog that mentions a self-enrollment system, where users will be able to access two free anti-virus softwares namely McAfee and Microsoft Security Essentials. The company stated that with the new checkpoints will make users more proactive.

Once a Facebook user suspects his computer being infected by a possible malware threat, he can select a Malware Checkpoint which will then cause Facebook to lock their account. Once users run either of the two anti-virus scans, Facebook will allow them to sign in again.

Here's how the anti-virus products will work:

1. The McAfee option will download a small program onto your Windows computer to perform a one-time scan of your system for malware. It will not interfere with your existing anti-virus or other security products. After it scans your system, it will give you the option to automatically or manually remove the files it flags as malicious.

2. The Microsoft Security Essentials option is a full anti-virus product. Upon download and install, it will add anti-virus software to your computer that will continue to protect your system with the latest anti-virus signatures from Microsoft.

Malware Checkpoint is the latest addition to the Facebook Anti-Virus Marketplace launched in April this year. The marketplace offers users with free six-month licenses to full versions of security software from Microsoft, Symantec, TrendMicro and more.

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