Facebook Makes Malware Removal Tools Free For Users

Facebook has announced partnerships with two of the world’s biggest anti-virus firms to add malware removal tools, free of charge, for users of the social network.

The deals with Trend Micro and F-Secure will see the tools added to Facebook’s abuse detection and prevention systems, the same ones that block other malicious activity like bad links and sites from being clicked on.

Any user that is on Facebook using an infected device will now be alerted and then offered the option to remove the malware.

Killing malware via Facebook

As the F-Secure and Trend products contain distinct malware signatures and are suited to different kinds of threats, so users have been recommended to use the tools even if they’re running an anti-virus software on their systems.

“You won’t have to worry about maintenance; these versions are up-to-date and will remove themselves once they’re done running,” Facebook said in a post on its website.

“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.”

In 2012, Facebook signed similar deals with a raft of anti-virus vendors. It opened an Antivirus Marketplace, where users could download free security software, with licenses lasting six months.

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