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PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:02 PM Oct 2017

Mark Zuckerberg: Why is Facebook still using Kaspersky Lab?

I am familiar with Kaspersky. I remember hearing Rachel talking about him and I saw Richard Engel interview the former KGB student a couple months ago. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has banned the use of Kaspersky Lab software and the FBI is advising private businesses to discontinue using it. Possibly too little, too late I suppose, considering all that has transpired the past two years.

Today Facebook logged me out, something which has happened on occasion, but this time it would not let me login unless I downloaded the Kaspersky scanner to "clean" my computer. After I screamed "No" to my computer, I did an anti virus scan with my own software. Then I went to Google to see if this was happening to other people as well. It appears this has been happening for over two years, often with very negative consequences, including removing existing anti virus programs.

In order to get into my Facebook account, I had to use my laptop. I am not ready to give up Facebook, as I keep in touch with family and friends there, but I absolutely will not use Kaspersky software on my computer.

Here is the message I received this morning when I tried to login to Facebook:

Let's Check Your Device for Malicious Software

Hi Pat, we're continuously working to keep you account secure. We've noticed that this device may be infected with malicious software. To continue to use Facebook, you can either use other devices or clean this device by downloading the scanner provided by Facebook and Kaspersky Lab.


I did clear my cache and restarted my computer, but still can't get in. Meanwhile, I wonder how much damage has been done throughout the world with this tactic.

42 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Mark Zuckerberg: Why is Facebook still using Kaspersky Lab? (Original Post) PatSeg Oct 2017 OP
I do not use Twitter or Facebook so I am not familiar with their routine practices. BigmanPigman Oct 2017 #1
You have the option to download PatSeg Oct 2017 #12
Ominous. A serious tactical blunder by No Yo Zuckerberg. WheelWalker Oct 2017 #2
Worse, NPR does ad spots for both Kaspersky and FB. Corvo Bianco Oct 2017 #3
NPR? PatSeg Oct 2017 #10
Thanks for bringing this up - that's really pissing me off as well. bullwinkle428 Oct 2017 #38
It is so easy *not* to take money from and promote Kaspersky, Corvo Bianco Oct 2017 #42
"Facebook forced me to download their anti-malware, and my own antivirus gets knocked out" dalton99a Oct 2017 #4
Yep PatSeg Oct 2017 #7
Maybe it's spoofing Facebook to get you to download malicious software. hedda_foil Oct 2017 #5
no probs like that on FB here. sounds like a compromised computer issue nt msongs Oct 2017 #6
Computer is fine PatSeg Oct 2017 #9
What anti-virus program do you use? Adsos Letter Oct 2017 #16
Avast PatSeg Oct 2017 #24
I was using that too but man did it tank my outlook and laptop tymorial Oct 2017 #31
Someone on this thread PatSeg Oct 2017 #33
I will check it out. tymorial Oct 2017 #36
Oh okay PatSeg Oct 2017 #37
We work with patient information tymorial Oct 2017 #39
That makes sense PatSeg Oct 2017 #41
If you're concerned about security and entities messing with you, Denzil_DC Oct 2017 #40
Thank you. n/t Adsos Letter Oct 2017 #34
From Facebook June 2015 PatSeg Oct 2017 #8
Great. hedda_foil Oct 2017 #11
That's how I feel PatSeg Oct 2017 #13
A Google search for Denzil_DC Oct 2017 #14
Yes, Jak Yan PatSeg Oct 2017 #15
Well, as a long-term user of the software, Denzil_DC Oct 2017 #18
Ah. I found that recent article I mentioned: Denzil_DC Oct 2017 #21
The allegations go beyond the Internet though PatSeg Oct 2017 #22
The article I just posted above goes into a lot of detail about all that if you click through. Denzil_DC Oct 2017 #25
Thanks PatSeg Oct 2017 #26
Whether you find it persuasive or not, I think it's an interesting read. Denzil_DC Oct 2017 #28
Good point PatSeg Oct 2017 #29
Give Ubuntu a try bathroommonkey76 Oct 2017 #17
Thanks PatSeg Oct 2017 #20
Because they are compensated to offer it. It's called co-marketing. FB is undoubtedly WheelWalker Oct 2017 #19
That's kind of what I figured PatSeg Oct 2017 #23
'Cause Zukerberg is a dick and only cares about money and doesn't give a fuck about America and our DK504 Oct 2017 #27
And then there is that too PatSeg Oct 2017 #30
Why would the very pro Russian jamzrockz Oct 2017 #32
I think it is more U.S. intelligence PatSeg Oct 2017 #35

BigmanPigman

(51,432 posts)
1. I do not use Twitter or Facebook so I am not familiar with their routine practices.
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:16 PM
Oct 2017

When they clean your computer do you have an option? I tried to stop Windows from updating my computer but was only able to delay it for about 6 months.

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
12. You have the option to download
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:52 PM
Oct 2017

the software or decline, but it won't let you login to Facebook if you don't let Kaspersky "clean" your computer.

Yeah, its pretty hard to prevent Windows updates, though you can go in clean up the junk they throw in the updates. Kind of annoying that you have to do that. Its kind of sneaky.

Corvo Bianco

(1,148 posts)
42. It is so easy *not* to take money from and promote Kaspersky,
Mon Oct 2, 2017, 04:27 PM
Oct 2017

But for some reason NPR simply must do it? Like I said, not a word in response to my concerns.

Even the agencies we trust most think it's not too big a deal if the Kremlin guides the voting populace into Putin's hands. Those Russian FB accounts encouraging Bernie voters to write in a candidate? First, it worked. We lost the election (and human decency) to third party votes. Second, Bernie extremists are people who listen to NPR. They can be emotionally swayed by Russian propaganda just like rightwing extremists can be. Many of them, I'm sure, use Kaspersky because a very gentle, trusting voice on NPR tells them to.

Kaspersky is Russian spyware. What the hell is NPR doing with the trust of their listeners??? They're in on it, or they don't care. Both will wipe out our democracy.

Thank you. I'm worked up.

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
7. Yep
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:39 PM
Oct 2017

That was the first one I found. Sounds pretty nefarious to me.

In July Bloomberg reported that Kaspersky Lab has been working Russian intelligence. Apparently Zuckerberg must have been living in a cave somewhere.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-11/kaspersky-lab-has-been-working-with-russian-intelligence

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
9. Computer is fine
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:48 PM
Oct 2017

I did a scan after it happened. It is not like it is happening to everyone, but the main issue is they have been using Kaspersky software for over two years now, during the time when Russia was interfering with our election, often through social media.

tymorial

(3,433 posts)
31. I was using that too but man did it tank my outlook and laptop
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 08:17 PM
Oct 2017

Even with mail shield checked off it's still slow as hell navigating my Outlook email. Soon as I removed it my computer is so much quicker I need to find another product

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
33. Someone on this thread
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 09:08 PM
Oct 2017

recommended this: https://www.ubuntu.com/ I'm not familiar with it.

Have you tried using Gmail, I haven't used Outlook in years and it was pretty cumbersome at the time.

tymorial

(3,433 posts)
36. I will check it out.
Mon Oct 2, 2017, 05:47 AM
Oct 2017

My company uses Outlook which is the only reason why I still have it. I use Gmail for all my personal emails

Denzil_DC

(7,188 posts)
40. If you're concerned about security and entities messing with you,
Mon Oct 2, 2017, 12:04 PM
Oct 2017

Gmail snoops on your email to target advertising.

There's no such thing as a free lunch in this field - unless you're the lunch!

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
8. From Facebook June 2015
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:45 PM
Oct 2017
"Protecting millions from malware with cleanup tools

Keeping links to malware off of our platform is a core function of our Security team. To really stick it to the fraudsters, we go beyond one-off, 'whack-a-mole' removals to systematically combat malicious activity and do away with whole clusters of bad links at a time. This strategy works well, but to make an even greater impact, we begin a few steps earlier and help fix compromised computers when they connect to Facebook. We use a combination of signals to help find infections and get the malware off of your computer for good, even if the malware isn't actively spreading spam or harmful links.

For the past year, we've been working with anti-malware companies like ESET, F-Secure, and Trend Micro to offer free malware cleanup software to people who use Facebook. Thanks to the collaboration with these companies, in the past three months we have helped clean up more than 2 million people's computers that we detected were infected with malware when they connected to Facebook. In these cases, we present a cleanup tool that runs in the background while you continue using Facebook, and you get a notification when the scan is done to show you what it found.

To make this program even more effective, Kaspersky Lab is bringing their expertise to our malware cleanup efforts. If we detect malware on your computer, we will offer Kaspersky Malware Scan for Facebook among our other cleanup tools to help take care of the problem. That means that another leading anti-malware company is helping you keep your computer safe and secure, just by using Facebook. And in the past three months, Kaspersky Lab helped us protect more than 260,000 people accessing Facebook from malware."


https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-security/protecting-millions-from-malware-with-cleanup-tools/10152836024620766/

This has happened to a lot of people and Facebook proudly brags about using Kaspersky malware scanner.

Denzil_DC

(7,188 posts)
14. A Google search for
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 06:54 PM
Oct 2017

"We've noticed that this device may be infected with malicious software" shows up 409,000 results.

The ones I've looked at describe similar experiences with Facebook, but not always specifying a scan with Kaspersky - sometimes it's ESET, Trend Micro or F-Secure (reputable AV programs).

I don't use Facebook, so I'm assuming these hundreds of thouands of people don't all have some phishing malware that's spoofing Facebook.

Here's a note from Facebook itself about all this from a while back (they seem not to have been using Kaspersky back then):

Making malware cleanup easier
20 May 2014 at 09:08

You'll find a recommendation to install software to detect and clean up malware in almost any security guide. Although a single product isn't sufficient to defend against all modern security threats, the general recommendation persists because the technology remains effective in blocking categories of known threats and cleaning up malware infections if they find their way onto your computer. Since resolving a malware problem is a little bit different each time, we're committed to working with our partners to give people on Facebook the help they need in keeping their information secure.

Our goal is to make it easier for people to find and use the right technology to better protect their devices. We've worked with F-Secure and Trend Micro to incorporate free anti-malware software downloads directly into our existing abuse detection and prevention systems. These are the same systems that help us block malicious links and bad sites from among the trillions of clicks that take place every day on Facebook.

Here's how it will work when we detect that a device interacting with Facebook is behaving in a suspicious way that we believe is related to a malware infection:

* When logging in from the infected device, you'll see a notification screen about a malware infection, along with a recommendation to use F-Secure's malware scanning and cleanup technology or HouseCall from Trend Micro. Each product contains distinct malware signatures and is suited to different kinds of threats, so we recommend trying the suggested product even if you already have an anti-virus or similar program running on your machine. You won't have to worry about maintenance; these versions are up-to-date and will remove themselves once they're done running.
* You can choose to skip the malware removal process and decline to download the recommended scanner. If you skip removing the malware, you may be prompted again later.
* You'll download and run the scanner, during which time you can continue to use Facebook and other services. When the scan is complete, you'll receive a notification through Facebook and you'll be able to review the results of the scan.

We expect to offer additional software options in the future.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-security/making-malware-cleanup-easier/10152050305685766/


Some reckon they've found ways around it - see the replies on this blog post: http://jackyan.com/blog/2016/01/if-facebook-says-you-have-malware-do-not-download-their-program-heres-a-way-around-it/

FWIW, I use Kaspersky myself and have no problems with it or qualms about it, but I understand anyone's uneasiness. In fact, I signed up for years ago it after seeing it recommended regularly as part of a malware recovery strategy on various reputable forums that were helping people with their infections (Malwarebytes is also a common recommendation).

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
15. Yes, Jak Yan
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:04 PM
Oct 2017

was the first blog I found when doing a Google search.

My concern now is that the government has banned Kaspersky software on their computers and the FBI is advising businesses to remove it. It is being implied that Kaspersky could be part of the Russian hacking and interference in our elections. Kaspersky himself is a KGB alumni. Richard Engel's interview with the man was not reassuring. As Malcolm Nance says, "Once KGB, always KGB".

https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/russian-kaspersky-labs-faces-new-scrutiny-suspicion-1012640835507

Denzil_DC

(7,188 posts)
18. Well, as a long-term user of the software,
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:23 PM
Oct 2017

I've obviously looked into all this in depth and satisfied myself that it's OK on our systems.

You'll find all sorts of allegations on the Web, but here are a couple of links to reputable computer tech sites (which aren't the only basis for my decision):

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/kaspersky-safe-to-use,news-25516.html

https://askleo.com/safe-kaspersky-internet-security/

You'll see that allegations and unease about Kaspersky are nothing new. (There was another article in a similar vein I saw that was written very recently, but I can't find it right now.)

But I'm not here to try to persuade anybody else about what they should do about it.

Some folks have had luck in overcoming your problem without downloading the software by contacting Facebook on Twitter (ironic!) or somehow on Facebook itself. I've no idea whether that would help.

Denzil_DC

(7,188 posts)
21. Ah. I found that recent article I mentioned:
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:33 PM
Oct 2017
Should You Believe the Rumors About Kaspersky Lab?

You can find any number of news articles suggesting improper activities by Kaspersky Lab. The US government removed Kaspersky from its list of approved programs and, more recently, added it to a list of banned programs. Best Buy dropped Kaspersky products from its stores. Kaspersky has hired security experts who previously worked for the Russian government. Kaspersky is a Russian company, darn it!

The list goes on, but what's impressively absent is any factual evidence of security-related misbehavior. To get a handle on this situation, I asked for thoughts from security experts I know, both in the US and around the world. ...

http://uk.pcmag.com/opinion/91181/should-you-believe-the-rumors-about-kaspersky-lab


But, like I said, I'm not here to try to persuade anyone about this.

Having said that, I wouldn't rely on Avast alone for anti-malware myself - used to use it and a variety of other programs over the years, and it let too much through, which is why I switched. I might use it as a real-time scanner, but I'd want to back it up with something like Malwarebytes (not used in real time, but as a periodic scanner).

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
22. The allegations go beyond the Internet though
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:34 PM
Oct 2017

It is the U.S. government, congress, the FBI, and the CIA that are looking at Kaspersky with great suspicion. The Richard Engel interview I posted from July is very disturbing and revealing.

Thanks, I'll try going through Twitter, though I would like to see Zuckerberg divorce himself from this company regardless of what happens with my Facebook account.

Denzil_DC

(7,188 posts)
25. The article I just posted above goes into a lot of detail about all that if you click through.
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:39 PM
Oct 2017

There is no evidence to back up any of these concerns that's been made public.

But you have to make your own mind up and be comfortable with what you install on your computers.

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
26. Thanks
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:46 PM
Oct 2017

I'll check it out. I really haven't had any virus problems. My main concern here is Kaspersky, the man and the company, at a time when the Russians have cyber attacked us repeatedly. Kaspersky said that if Putin had asked him to use his software against America, he would refuse, but U.S. intelligence says that's not possible. You don't say no to Putin.

I think at a time when Zuckerberg is expressing remorse, he might want to clean house.

Denzil_DC

(7,188 posts)
28. Whether you find it persuasive or not, I think it's an interesting read.
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 08:00 PM
Oct 2017

Kaspersky brings big, big bucks into Russia. Not much else does.

Putin's crazy like a fox, but I'm not sure he'd want to kill a cash cow like that. And anything he did that marred Kaspersky's reputation further would kill it. Eugene Kaspersky knows this himself, and has offered to make the software source code available for forensic examination, which should settle once and for all whether it's doing or capable of doing anything nefarious, and has offered to appear before Congress. Nobody in your government seems to be interested in taking him up on that offer.

Anyway, just because I found this recent article from The Hill while browsing around this issue tonight, I'll post it here:

The feds shouldn't blackball Kaspersky without public evidence

Over the past few months, the U.S. government has taken multiple steps to limit federal agencies from using information security products, solutions, and services from Kaspersky Lab, a security company headquartered in Moscow, over concerns that it has unethical ties to the Russian government. These actions would be completely justified if Kaspersky Lab is colluding with the Russian government to spy on Americans — but, at least so far, the U.S. government has not provided one bit of public evidence.

The U.S. government has taken swift action against the company. First, the General Services Administration (GSA) removed Kaspersky Lab from its pre-approved vendors list in July. Then the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive last week ordering all federal agencies to cease using Kaspersky products within 90 days. The final nail in the coffin came this week when the Senate passed legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), that bans the Department of Defense from using Kaspersky Lab.

But instead of providing reasons for these actions, government officials have only offered innuendo. For example, Shaheen justified her legislation by pointing to a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in May, where the heads of the CIA, NSA, and FBI all stated that they would not use Kaspersky Lab software on their own computers in response to a question from Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Interestingly enough, Rubio had received different answers when he asked that same question at a hearing in March. One of the witnesses, Thomas Rid, a professor in the Department of War Studies at King’s College in London, not only replied that he would indeed use Kaspersky Lab products, but he argued that “Kaspersky is not an arm of the Russian government,” pointing out that the company has published information on several Russian state-sponsored cyberattacks.

http://thehill.com/opinion/cybersecurity/351953-the-feds-shouldnt-blackball-kaspersky-without-public-evidence


It also contains this tidbit (my bold)!

Third, the U.S. government has made no move to penalize foreign firms actually proven to have faulty code. The Czech company Avast, for example, recently discovered that hackers had compromised its popular, free tool CCleaner, making the popular security software distribute malicious code. And yet, there are no calls by the U.S. government to limit software products from Avast or ban Czech software.



PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
29. Good point
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 08:09 PM
Oct 2017

about Kaspersky's contribution to the Russian economy.

So Avast is a Czech company? Interesting.

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
20. Thanks
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:26 PM
Oct 2017

I'm not really worried about viruses, I have Avast antivirus and it has been pretty good. I just won't download a Kaspersky scanner because Facebook wants me to. Aside from not being able to get on Facebook on my PC now, I am concerned about what Kaspersky could have been doing over the last few years. He is a billionaire in Russia and no oligarch in Russia can refuse to do Putin's bidding. One billionaire was thrown in prison and all his money and property confiscated by the government, because he displeased Putin. I can't imagine Putin not wanting to take advantage of Kaspersky's access to 400 million computers worldwide.

WheelWalker

(8,943 posts)
19. Because they are compensated to offer it. It's called co-marketing. FB is undoubtedly
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:26 PM
Oct 2017

compensated to offer others as well, as the thread above suggests. It's all about $.

DK504

(3,847 posts)
27. 'Cause Zukerberg is a dick and only cares about money and doesn't give a fuck about America and our
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 07:54 PM
Oct 2017

country security.

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
30. And then there is that too
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 08:13 PM
Oct 2017

I still picture Zuckerberg as an unworldly, obnoxious college student. I'm not sure he has grown much since those days. Too much fame and fortune, too fast and too young. This could be a major turning point for him.

 

jamzrockz

(1,333 posts)
32. Why would the very pro Russian
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 08:28 PM
Oct 2017

agent ban Kaspersky Lab? has he gone rouge already? was he ever not rogue? Regardless, if the Trump admin is trying to limit it, it makes me more inclined to delete my McAfee and install Kaspersky.

Trump is turning out to be the worst puppet ever *rollseyes*

PatSeg

(46,804 posts)
35. I think it is more U.S. intelligence
Sun Oct 1, 2017, 09:23 PM
Oct 2017

behind banning Kaspersky. I don't think Trump has a clue what is going on.

Yep, he is a terrible "puppet". I wonder what Putin thinks of his creation.

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