F-Secure boosts Facebook link security with ShareSafe app

F-Secure has launched an application that allows Facebook users to scan for malicious or spam-ridden links before posting them to their walls.

ShareSafe allows users to simply paste the link they are concerned about into a dialogue box, and the app's patent-pending technology then checks whether it is safe or not.

Once posted, the link will show that it has been scanned by ShareSafe, giving users' friends greater peace of mind that a link is safe.

ShareSafe, which is currently in beta, also has a 'Top Links' feature which allows Facebook members to share favourite links with other users of the app.

Points and badges can be earned every time a link is scanned, or when others 'Like' or click on a link or persuade a friend to join ShareSafe. The points can be redeemed for prizes, including F-Secure products, the vendor said.

"Facebook is a global phenomenon and its dramatic growth during the last couple of years has significantly changed how people share information with their friends and family," said F-Secure security advisor Sean Sullivan.

"People now share via social media more than by any other method. Online criminals and tricksters are exploiting this to make money from spam, scams and malware."

Social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter already scan links for malicious content.

In May, Facebook announced a partnership with safe surfing tool Web of Trust to improve link scanning and enhance clickjacking and cross-site scripting protection.

However, the problems associated with dangerous links remain, especially as cyber criminals often use shortened URLs to hide the destination of malicious or spam links.