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Kudos0

I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 6:16AM · 57 Replies ·

I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook account unless I download their Malware scanning software ESET. I have so far refused to download this program and  have 360 and no malware found with repeated up to date scans. I was able to briefly scan my FB page with 360-found nothing- before being blocked again and the 360 was automatically deactivated from watching my FB page.

Any ideas please??

Labels: Facebook Wall Scan

Replies

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 6:39AM · Permalink

Hi Rob Smith and welcome!

Could you post a screenshot of the notification you see? (please redact any personal or login info)  
How to post an image in the forums.

You were wise not to download anything as this could be legitimate or it could be a scam.

Thanks!

"Anyone who isn't confused really doesn't understand the situation."   Edward R. Murrow
Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 7:17AM · Permalink

It's a standard warning from FB.
Please see a related post at : https://community.norton.com/en/forums/something-about-facebook-et-malware
Try cleaning up your browser cache, cookies, remove unnecessary tool bars and addons.
BTW, you can access Facebook on another device till the issue is resolved.
regards, CV | There is no ONE TOUCH KEY to security . Be alert and vigilant. . | Always have a Backup Plan!
Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 7:57PM · Permalink

Thanks Nikhil.I have cleared and checked as above.I went to the forum on this. I do access FB from another site. What is weird is that FB does not block another account logged in from this computer. I wonder how they know/think there is malware on this computer, could malicious people be falsely reporting such?

I am still blocked out. I do not know what more to do. I have also repeatedly scanned with Norton of course, shouldnt that have picked up malware?

What is strange is that at a certain time my Norton antivirus/intrusion protection/Sonor etc was logged as switched off at a certain time, similar to when the new icon art was put on the Norton program on the computer. That was the only new file I could find on the computer added at near that time.(3mins later).10th July 936pm here. That in itself seems a dangerous event. Would NORTON switch off protection in order to install new graphics for their file?? unimpressed by that.

Not sure where to go from here. Need to use this laptop for FB as it is a business site-am certainly reassessing using FB for a hosting business page, that is for sure!!!

thanks for your help cheers

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 8:17PM · Permalink

If you wish to double check your system, you can download the FREE version of Malwarebytes.  This is an on-demand scanner and will not interfere with any real-time protection you have. During installation, please uncheck 'Enable free trial ....

"Anyone who isn't confused really doesn't understand the situation."   Edward R. Murrow
Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 9:15PM · Permalink

Looking through the log it says suspicious.Cloud.L (presence)..status pending... but then nothing more and in details it says no action required, so presume that s ok, but other forums talk of this being a virus..? the other forum on this is not clear and check heuristic viruses , may be false positive. I notice there was then a considerable attack with the antivirus programs being shut down and later scans picking up some high level malignant products.

Also strange that windows keeps trying to access the program files of 360, presume that is normal but 360 blocks it.

"wbem \wmiprvse exe " that is to access process data and then again for program files  of 360 and action is blocked. "moderate risk" but presume that is normal background conflict of Norton and Windows? It is the Engine\22.5.0.124 \ N360 Exe  that some on other forums had some problems with their update and finding false positive heuristic. But I dont know why windows would keep trying to access it repeatedly in a session.

What I would at this point really like to do is to SAVE the history of the log but screen shot, control A, right or left mouse click functions dont work. EXPORT option to save  will work but what file should one use to open it? The Open office txt file and mcf resulted in gooblygob, I just want to be able to read it as it was printed in the log, any ideas?

the more I think about this the more I think there was either a mistake in the update of 360 as after, the next time internet was connected, that the problems occured including  shutdown of protections in a systematic manner,  and thenNorton shut down...a coordinated action possibly via Bonjour and CyberDVD. There was a systematic shut down of protection occuring before when I suspected the nasties were downloaded and the more I think about it the more I am not sure all has been removed and perhaps the FB warning was a blessing.

Anyway, just need a record of it for now to investigate. How best to copy and save would be appreciated. cheers

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Jul-2015 | 9:20PM · Permalink

Thanks Phil, shall try that

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 13-Jul-2015 | 4:24AM · Permalink

Did the malware scan but none found ,thanks anyways :)

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 14-Jul-2015 | 2:25PM · Permalink

OK so I gave in and downloaded FB malware scanner ESET.For two hours it scanned my computer in the background. It built a report which I saved but looks pretty standard.

It reported no malware.

I then sought out any files about it that I could find and removed them

This whole activity does not seem right. Is it possible that an organisation like FB would on behest or with collusion of others, would force people to load software onto their computer for purposes other than stated?  I did read about Kapersky

I am now in the process of removing my business from FB hosting as a result of this and just having links to it from there.

This is a warning to everyone. Dont be naive as I was. Do not trust your business to Facebook hosting

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 14-Jul-2015 | 2:53PM · Permalink

ESET is a reputable antivirus company, as is Kaspersky and Norton. It sounds like they have partnered (well you never know who really owns them - probably facebook) with the company and have persuaded you to scan your machine.

In reality there are probably many people out there who do not check their files often enough, or have anti-virus products and do not update/scan.

I would be interested to see the message about blocking people though so I can see what it is.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 03-Oct-2016 | 6:17PM · Permalink

A bit of a late post, but here's the current version it puts up... This is absolute crap because i attempted to share a post to my account using my phone and it claims there is malware there, too. I have a perfectly good AV, there is no way in fornicating hell I'm running THEIR scanner.

This is FB attempting to "scan" your computer to pull information out of it above and beyond what they already get from your posts. 

FB can osculate my posterior. "Not on the left side, not on the right side, but right there in the middle". 

I may well never use FB ever again.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 05-Oct-2016 | 11:09AM · Permalink

I got the exact same message.  It happened around 3 pm eastern time yesterday.  I don't download ANYTHING unless I know it's coming from a trusted site, and we all know that FB is anything BUT trustworthy.  It logged me out of FB, and when I tried to log back in, I saw the same box you see above.

I was able to log back in using Firefox.  This morning, Firefox worked again.  For about an hour..... then BOOM!  Logged me out again, and I can't get back in.  I also tried Opera, but couldn't get in through there, either.

I'm about worn out with FB.  I mostly use it to keep in touch with my friends that live up north, and to see pictures of my grandson. 

I checked my computer with Norton, Avast, and Spybot --- no malware was found by any of them.  And there is no way to get to a human being at FB!  This sooooooo sucks.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 05-Oct-2016 | 5:49PM · Permalink

Hello Beadzie McGee

What Norton product do you have please? Are you running both Norton and Avast at the same time? I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you shouldn't be running 2 real time security programs. If you want to test out another security program, then you have to uninstall the first program and use the removal tool from the first vendor,restart, then install the 2nd security program.

Thanks.

Success always occurs in private and failure in full view. Windows 10 Pro 64 bit 2004 N 360 22.20.5.39 Chrome latest version.
Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 04-Nov-2016 | 3:47PM · Permalink

I just bought a brand new computer this afternoon, bought and loaded Norton security, tried to log onto FB and got the same Malware warning. I can get on FB with my Kindle and my Android smartphone, but not a brand new computer. As much as I hate FB for doing this, it's what I use to keep in touch with many friends.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 04-Nov-2016 | 4:39PM · Permalink

CROCODIL3

Did you remove any trial security software on the new computer before installing Norton? You need to use the removal tool for that software to fully remove it.

I would try contacting FB support. It is not Norton blocking you, so not much we can do here to help. I see no way FB can know what is on your computer.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 17-May-2017 | 12:54PM · Edited: 17-May-2017 | 12:56PM · Permalink

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 12133436, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

Sincerely, 

Susy Flaming

​

It is a miracle! Last night at 11:00pm I tried again to access Face book.  This time I was allowed in using my desktop computer.  I would have appreciated more of an explanation on "why this is no longer a problem" from Face book.  Were their filters too sensitive that they perceived I had Malware on my computer, or just why this happened?  Unfortunately, Face book never responded to my Face book "report" of the incident that I filled out weeks again.  So clearly, this BBB complaint was the correct action for me to take.  Dozens of other Face books users  on the internet recount their same experiences and never had their similar "locked out due to Malware on your computer" situations addressed.  So Face book, if  this happens in the future, I now know that only a BBB complaint will get your attention.    

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 17-May-2017 | 8:55PM · Permalink

Hello Richard Flaming

This isn't Facebook website. This is the Norton Forums. Thanks for your Feedback though. Perhaps you should post that on Facebook also.

Thanks.

Success always occurs in private and failure in full view. Windows 10 Pro 64 bit 2004 N 360 22.20.5.39 Chrome latest version.
Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 26-May-2017 | 7:42AM · Permalink

I too have been blocked from logging into facebook because they want me to download their malicious malware program... It says I may use my own Internet Security which I do but they do not leave you an option to decline their offer and to tell them that you have your own Internet Security...

Is Facebook scamming their users ?

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 26-May-2017 | 7:47AM · Permalink

I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-May-2017 | 7:54AM · Permalink

Is Facebook scamming their users ?

It seems they may be getting ad revenue from Eset.

You need to take this up with Facebook. Norton is not involved at all.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 07-Jun-2017 | 3:33AM · Edited: 07-Jun-2017 | 3:38AM · Permalink

She knows.  She's simply sharing here as sharing her resourcefulness about using the Better Business Bureau on Facebook would probably get her put back in Facebook's "malicious software" scam corner.  As a networking security specialist, I've come to the conclusion by means of systematic elimination that the problem has absolutely nothing to do with malicious software at all, and everything to do with Facebook's deceptive way of handling posters it doesn't like.  I'll be adding my own post in a few minutes with more details.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 07-Jun-2017 | 6:01AM · Edited: 07-Jun-2017 | 6:03AM · Permalink

I've been using Facebook for nine years.  During that time, I've only been put in Facebook jail about seven years ago, and then, only for 24 hours.  I have 800+ FB friends, all of whom I've met in person or otherwise known in other circles.

I'm also an IT security specialist with 29 years of experience, one who has written 20+ articles for Network World.

It is my opinion that Facebook use of it's "Let's Check Your Device for Malicious Software" pop-up (attached) has nothing to do with "malicious software" as it claims, but rather, as a means of gaining access to the computing devices and personal information of people it has, for whatever reason, deemed "unfavorable."  I base my opinion on the process of systematic elimination, as described below:

1.  I run several anti-virus/malware programs on my computer, including Norton Security and Norton's recommended Malwarebytes.  The only problem any of them found was pua.opencandy, a low-threat undesirable which I fixed before reattempting my Facebook login, still to no joy -- same "malicious software" error message.

2.  I next attempted to login to Facebook using other browsers, including Firefox and Opera.  same "malicious software" error message.

3.  I flushed the cache of all browsers, system-wide, and attempted to log in using a different local machine user account on my computer (same FB user account):  same "malicious software" error message.

CONCLUSION 1:  This issue has nothing to do with any specific browser.

4.  I moved to a backup computer, one I haven't used in about three weeks.  Result:  same "malicious software" error message.

CONCLUSION 2:  This issue has nothing to do with my computer.

5.  I hiked over to the library, and asked a friend to login to their Facebook account using one of the library's machines.  No problem.  After they logged out, I tried logging in using my Facebook account.  Result:  same "malicious software" error message.

CONCLUSION 3:  This issue has nothing to do with my IP address, but may have to do with my FB account.

6.  I repeated Step 5 using a friend's computer.  He could access FB, but I could not.  After I logged out, he was able to log back in without a problem.

CONCLUSION 4:  This issue not only has nothing to do with either any machine or any browser, but is definitely associated with my FB user account.

7.  I researched this problem on several different user forums, including both here and on Facebook.  None of the information I found conflicted with the steps I took and conclusions I reached as denoted above.  In fact, the account about the lady who contacted the Better Business Bureau who subsequently contacted Facebook who magically resolved the issue confirms the conclusions I have reached above.  I also noted that Facebook usually responds to users' posts in their Help forum.  They did not, however, respond to any of the five posts reporting this problem in their Help forum.

CONCLUSION 5:  Facebook may not be interested in helping resolve this issue, because for them, it's not a legitimate issue.  

8.  I asked my friend to come over to my apartment, login using my computer and browser, to see if he can duplicate the problem.  I log in and receive the "malicious software" message.  I log out.  He logs in with his own FB user account.  Result:  NO error message.  I log in, receive the error message.  He logs in, no error message.  We repeat this several times just to be certain, both with cache flushing, no flushing, and multiple browsers.

CONCLUSION 6:  Conclusion 4 was thoroughly and incontrovertibly verified.  This issue has absolutely NOTHING to do with any purported "malicious software" on my machine (or on any machine) or in my or any other browser.  The ONLY possible culprit is my specific login (along with the logins of others who have been put into the same penalty box by Facebook for whatever reason).

I therefore surmise that Facebook may have implemented this as a means of doing one of two things:

A.  Blocking users whom it deems "undesirable."  Unfortunately, all it takes is just one FB moderator to block a legitimate user, even if all that user did was disagree with the status quo with respect to an issue like abortion or man-made climate change, and there's no way to contact FB without first allowing them to scan your system.

B.  Creating a false premise upon which it can gain access to a user's computer.  I would hate to think that any of the four antivirus/malware products with which Facebook has partnered (Kaspersky, ESET, TrendMicro, F-Secure) would ever be complicit in such an affair, but given the observations and test results as stated above, along with Facebook's decidedly left political bent and the countless similar tactics the left has used over the last decade at all levels, it's entirely reasonable to question that this is indeed what Facebook is doing now.  The problem with this is that the only way to contact Facebook at this point is to allow them to scan your entire system, during which time they could record the entire contents of your hard drive - a definite NO-NO with respect to security.  Furthermore, this even gives them the ability to actually place files on your hard drive during that process, also a BIG FAT NO-NO.

I have every confidence in Norton Security to detect any such problem that Facebook purports to exist, should it actually exist.  In fact, I implore Norton to find out what in the world Facebook purports to exist and work with them and their four partners in order to identify and eliminate this supposed "malicious software" threat FB claims is on my computer but which I have clearly and incontrovertibly proven not to be present.

In the meantime, I am filing a formal report with my Congressman, asking that he open a Congressional investigation into Facebook's deceptive practices.

File Attachment: 
PDF icon Facebook SPAM - Want to run a program on my machine - NO - Blurred.pdf
PDF icon FB Malicious Software FAQs.pdf
PDF icon FB Download Scanner.pdf
Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 21-Jul-2017 | 10:48PM · Permalink

I have the same problem with Facebook asking to install those softwares. I doubt that Facebook is doing something not right here. And for sure the 4 partners know it too. i cannot install any software on my company laptop to it's weird that Facebook says they found threats on my computer. 

It's even weirder when i can easily log in by another browers. 

i'm following an instruction from my other friends to download one of those softwares on another laptop (as i couldnt do the same to my company lap), following the instructions, let it automatically scan then it will be back to normal. 

if yes, obivously this is a uncerntain claim, is it a trick? 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Jul-2017 | 7:09AM · Edited: 28-Jul-2017 | 7:31AM · Permalink

x

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 31-Jul-2017 | 11:43PM · Permalink

Shidewang:

I have the same problem with Facebook asking to install those softwares. I doubt that Facebook is doing something not right here. And for sure the 4 partners know it too. i cannot install any software on my company laptop to it's weird that Facebook says they found threats on my computer. 

It's even weirder when i can easily log in by another browers. 

i'm following an instruction from my other friends to download one of those softwares on another laptop (as i couldnt do the same to my company lap), following the instructions, let it automatically scan then it will be back to normal. 

if yes, obivously this is a uncerntain claim, is it a trick? 

Check out this thread.  https://community.norton.com/en/forums/message-lets-check-your-device-ma...

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 02-Aug-2017 | 9:25PM · Permalink

I finally solved my problem of being blocked by Facebook.  They would not allow me to sign in on my pc.  I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.  At first they responded to BBB saying, "We are looking into the matter."  BBB asked if I was satisfied with their solution. I said "NO", they have done nothing.  Miraculously, they responded a couple of days later, that the "matter was resolved".  So I tried to log in to FB and I was able to.  I can only assume that when I went public FB decided not to continue with their B.S. Others have said they believe FB's filters are too sensitive.  That would make sense.  I have had no further issues.     

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 08-Sep-2017 | 3:58PM · Permalink

You are correct - I had the same happen to me earlier today.
I also tried some of the steps you mentioned, including trying to log in with my other computer. 

I wrote an angry post about this on Steemit (with the tag Facebook): https://steemit.com/facebook/@thermoplastic/wtf-facebook-i-am-royally-pi...
I quoted your entire comment, but also provided the relevant links to this forum tread and your comment. 
I am not done yet. I have several blogs and am widely connected through a variety of networks, and I will soon copy this wherever I have access. 
This is particularly irksome because I have well over 4000 friends, am administrator on a half dozen pages and uncounted groups, so I am completely cut off from that. 
Oh yes, if you didn't open the Steemit link I gave and read it: I had no problem opening a new account under a different name and accessing it from both of my computers that are supposedly infected with malware!
 

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 12-Oct-2017 | 7:03PM · Permalink

I fixed being locked out of my Facebook account because of "malware on this device, download our scanner etc etc". I'm using a PC so I don't know the steps for Mac or Linux. 

Also, this fix requires that you have previously backed up your Chrome Browser user profile (or other browser you were using before you were locked out). 

I attempted to unintstall/reinstall Chrome, "Reset" Chrome, etc. None of these worked for me. Below are the steps I took to regain access to my account using Chrome on a PC. 

1) Press the "Start/Win" key. 

2) Type %appdata%  (yes with the % sign).

3) Click up one folder. You should see the following folders "Local", "LocalLow", and "Roaming".

4) Open "Local" and find the folder named "Google". This is your user profile for Chrome.

5) Move it to the Desktop. There should now no longer be a "Google" folder in "Local".

6) Copy your Google Profile backup into "Local" and you should be good to go. 

7) When you attempt to login to Facebook, it will most likely offer you to recover your account. DO THIS!

8) After you've recovered your account, you should now be able to use Facebook on Chrome. 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 14-Oct-2017 | 3:20PM · Permalink

Sounds complicated, like a round-about way to defeat the stupid block Facebook puts on.
I wanted for some time already to do an update to my own experience: I have a near broken down computer (I rarely log in to) where there are no important files or links on it, and I jumped through the Facebook hops to see what happens. So yes, I got in and only on that old piece of crap - so it is not the log-in, but the log-in from any other computer you might attempt to log in from. Strange though: I am also in on the cellphone app with my old account. Just not on the main PC I use. So I have a new FB account on there, and anything that is important to share I do so from one account to the other via my cellphone. I also managed to install my "new" self as administrator of all the commercial Facebook pages I controlled with my old ID, using the cellphone.  The rest, I don't care. In a way, I got rid of a bunch of "friends" that I didn't even know from Adam - my good friends and family are connected now to my new account. 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 14-Oct-2017 | 6:02PM · Permalink

Hello

I have seen other people who claimed that they contacted the BBB and within a few days, they were back into Facebook without having to do the ESET scan or anything else If you know your computer is clean, that may be the way to proceed.

Thanks.

Success always occurs in private and failure in full view. Windows 10 Pro 64 bit 2004 N 360 22.20.5.39 Chrome latest version.
Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 6:53AM · Permalink

Which is better?  Having hundreds of millions of individual users contacting the BBB?  Or for Norton/Symantec and Facebook to work together as responsible companies SHOULD in order to put a STOP this nonsense?

Seriously, people.

Besides, most FB users around the world don't have access to a BBB.

Kudos3 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 7:00AM · Permalink

This Facebook security warning has nothing to do with Norton or any other security company. Facebook is presenting this page to the users. 

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 8:06AM · Permalink

You're missing the point, peterweb.  The point is that Facebook claims that thousands, if not millions of Norton Security-protected computers are *somehow* infected with a virus and blocks users until they install and run Facebook's own proprietary/partner "anti-virus" scanning software before being allowed back in.

Only one of the following statements is true:

A.  Norton Antivirus is allowing viruses to infect users' machines and running Facebook's software is warranted.

B.  Facebook's virus detection is flawed (or possibly malicious) and they need to change their grossly overbearing (and possibly maliciously intrusive) mandate to run the software before users are allowed back in to Facebook.

Which is it, peterweb?  A, or B?

It can't be both, and based upon my 30 years of computer and networking security experience, I think it's B and not Norton's fault at all.  I've tried other antivirus/security suite software over the decades, but I always come back to Norton because in both my personal and professional opinion, it's the best all-around security software on the market today.

Meanwhile, we're still faced with Facebook's allusion that Norton is flawed.

While you probably wouldn't want to go head to head with Facebook, there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing some investigation, re-creating the occurrence (unless FB has already decided to knock it off), and making some things clear to your users.

Here's a suggested policy statement:  "Norton has investigated Facebook's claims of malicious software on users' computers which are protected by Norton Security and finds no evidence of any such malicious software.  Furthermore, Norton cannot support Facebook's insistence on running third-party scanning software and strongly recommends users against disabling Norton Security at any time."

Is that too difficult?  I see it as a necessary step, but hey, what do I know?  I only graduated summa cum laude in both my masters degrees (MSM and MBA( along with two concentrations (Technology Management and Project Management).

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 10:54AM · Permalink

First, I am not an employee. Just a user like you that volunteers my time to try to help users with Norton product problems.

Which is it, peterweb?  A, or B?

My vote is also B. All the users here that ran their own scans with Norton, and then have bowed down to Facebook and run their scan, found nothing. 

And this issue is not restricted to Norton Users. User in this article was using McAfee. And that was just a very quick search. I'm sure that many or all other security vendor's customers have seen this bogus Facebook detection.

You should be focusing your efforts on asking Facebook why they are falsely identifying all these user accounts with this bogus detections.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 11:45AM · Permalink

swamper777:

The point is that Facebook claims that thousands, if not millions of Norton Security-protected computers are *somehow* infected with a virus and blocks users until they install and run Facebook's own proprietary/partner "anti-virus" scanning software before being allowed back in.

Actually, it is not thousands or millions.  These are isolated cases.  Despite some Norton users encountering the Facebook block, most do not.  Facebook is not detecting anything specific to Norton (or we would all be seeing this) and, as peterweb points out, users who see this block would see it regardless of the brand of antivirus product they are running.  Facebook just needs a better way of informing users about what the company is detecting on their systems and a better method of resolution other than insisting on the user running a partner product without adequate justification.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 5:19PM · Permalink

I'd dump Facebook long before I'd dump Norton..............

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 6:51PM · Permalink

SendOfJive:
swamper777:

The point is that Facebook claims that thousands, if not millions of Norton Security-protected computers are *somehow* infected with a virus and blocks users until they install and run Facebook's own proprietary/partner "anti-virus" scanning software before being allowed back in.

Actually, it is not thousands or millions.  These are isolated cases.  Despite some Norton users encountering the Facebook block, most do not.  Facebook is not detecting anything specific to Norton (or we would all be seeing this) and, as peterweb points out, users who see this block would see it regardless of the brand of antivirus product they are running.  Facebook just needs a better way of informing users about what the company is detecting on their systems and a better method of resolution other than insisting on the user running a partner product without adequate justification.

I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle -  not millions, and not a isolated few either. What we see here in this forum is a ice cube-size chip off the proverbial iceberg. Blogging about it (and yes, posting with my "new" ID on Facebook) I had more comments from people that had the same experience. Neither this forum, nor anyone's post or blog can reach and find all the incidences that are actually happening.
When it comes to Millions of users, a related incidence a few years back affected ALL the users of Weebly (today's count 45 Million) whose websites were deemed containing malicious software by Facebook (years ago McAffee erroneously  reported Weebly as a security threat) and any Weebly powered site was blocked because of this. It eventually was cleared up. 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 7:44PM · Permalink

Given the nature and identity of who receives these "You have malicious software" misdirections, along with the fact they're running world-class security suite software, I very seriously doubt Facebook is seeing any legitimate infection at all.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 15-Oct-2017 | 7:48PM · Permalink

Sounds like we're on the same team, peterweb, so no worries, eh?

As for where I'm focusing my efforts, they've been exhausted on Closedbook, er, "Facebook," so I am attempting to garner interest among the reputable security suite vendors whose software has been wrongly malaigned by Facebook's accusations.

To be perfectly honest, Norton and others most certainly should stand up and take notice when a non-security company like Facebook attempts to force users of Norton Security software to disable it and run who knows what software from who knows where.

Or is Norton not interested in phishing?  That's a rhetorical question.  Of course they are.  It would be nice, however, if Norton would take action along the lines of my previous suggestion.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 26-Oct-2017 | 3:35AM · Edited: 26-Oct-2017 | 3:36AM · Permalink

Lets just say this "friend" I mention below is my alter ego (one of 2  that came into existence after Facebook blocks).
I submitted this on a Facebook forum here:
 

https://www.facebook.com/business/help/community/question/?id=1015463483...
Yesterday a friend shared a news item to my wall from yahoo news that Fats Domino died. I seen that it got blocked: a message from Facebook shows up on my wall - I click on <not spam>, it comes up, then disappears again! Facebook not only marked it as spam, but also locked his account with the requirement to have Facebook scan his computer for malware. There is no way out: have your computer scanned or have your account suspended.
Running Norton Security, his computer is clean - in fact, any other computer he tries to log in on gets the same message to run a Facebook scan. This is highly suspicious! If you have sensitive data on your computer, bank, investments, credit cards etc, would you let an outside entity scan your computer, while you have a fully reliable Security software installed anyway?

Of course this ties in with my earlier comments on this matter - to defeat the Facebook Trolls, I have 3 accounts, all of which are administrators on my various Business pages. 
As a update, my account that got blocked initially is still available to me on my cell phone. I also have a old run down 10" notebook with RAM on it's last gasp that I rarely use and there is nothing very sensitive on that machine, so I ran the scan on it. Thus, I have access to my old account on there also, but still did not have it on my main computer. Here I have to say  that account 1 and 2 were blocked initially. So on my main computer I opened without problems a new account 3 and worked with it for several weeks. Then yesterday, using account 3 on my main computer, I shared the above mentioned news item to my nr. 2. Subsequently, I (my acct nr 3) got logged out by Facebook, logging in again, I get the scan pop-up. I log out and tried logging in with nr. 1 (the one that got initially blocked, along with nr 2) - lo and behold, it came up without any problem! So I thought I share this experience with my friends: I went to the page of nr. 3 (that was now blocked) and shared the Fats Domino news item with a short note. My newly found freedom of getting nr. 1 released from Facebook jail  lasted all but a few minutes. I got logged out again, and the pop-up came up.
If this sounds confusing, imagine how I feel - anyway, what works on my main computer (again) for now is the previously suspended nr. 2. 


https://www.engadget.com/2016/01/29/facebook-news-algorithm-spam-false-p...

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 8:40AM · Permalink

Case of my wife. Facebook lock out. "Let's check your device for malicious software ... scanner provided by Facebook and Trend Micro.​"        We have 3 laptops. She's got locked out by Facebook on her machine. On all browsers she's got. Chrome, IE and Firefox. But I can log in FB on her laptop, on my FB account. Two other laptops can access both FB accounts. My and her. No problems. I don't get it: Why FB is using such tactics to get unrestricted access to peoples' computers? It clearly is like asking for ransom , kind of extorsion. I run Norton 360 for years and I do not see any threads. If FB have problem with some infected accounts or computers - they should give free hand to legitimate Security companies like Norton or Kaspersky and more - they scan our computers on regular bases, and surely they can make some plug ins to keep our machines safe, while we are on line.  Without scanning her machine, Facebook knows that she's got some malware. Surely they are world champions in computer security- they know it without scanning her machine . Or- maybe they scan our computers secretly, while we log in Facebook. How else they could know about malware in my wife's laptop ( but there is no malware when I log in from her machine ).  Anyway: still I am looking for some bypass of the problem, because there is no way I am going give content of her machine to be copied by anybody. Sooner we lose FB accounts than this is gonna happen. 

Question is : Who knows how to bypass this Facebook login problem ?  

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 9:28AM · Edited: 28-Oct-2017 | 9:46AM · Permalink

Richard 2017: Who knows how to bypass this Facebook login problem ?  

Who knows how to reproduce "this Facebook login problem"?

If you're having trouble logging in or with your password, you've come to the right place. Please use this form to tell us about the issue you're experiencing.

https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/357439354283890

In an effort to minimize user exposure to threats, Facebook has implemented a "Malware Checkpoint" feature that automatically prompts you to scan your computer when you log into your Facebook account.

https://support.eset.com/kb3626/?viewlocale=en_US

If we think you're infected with malicious software, we may notify you and ask you to scan your computer or mobile device.

https://www.facebook.com/help/389666567759871

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 11:39AM · Permalink

not a solution, lol - if you can't log in, you can't access Facebook support or help - unless you jump through the hoops and LET THEM SPY ON YOUR COMPUTER!

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 11:43AM · Edited: 28-Oct-2017 | 12:03PM · Permalink

ottorapp: not a solution, lol - if you can't log in, you can't access Facebook support or help - unless you jump through the hoops and LET THEM SPY ON YOUR COMPUTER!

Sorry, I can log in and was not aware Facebook Help is login dependent.  I'll presume Facebook, all social media and the www monetizes my activity.
Sorry, for my Facebook seldom use and my lacking Facebook knowledge.

By clicking Create Account, you agree to our Terms and that you have read our Data Policy, including our Cookie Use.  
Please contact Facebook, Inc. online or by mail at: Facebook, Inc.,1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 11:55AM · Edited: 28-Oct-2017 | 11:58AM · Permalink

My experience also! You could line up a whole bank of computers and try to log in, and they will all say the same thing. Even brand new ones with nothing on it except a freshly installed Norton Security and nothing else.  I have a old broken down 10" notebook (RAM are dying) that has no sensitive files on it at all, so I did run the scan on it. But no way in hell would I let them scan my main computer. I have 3 alternate profiles. 2 are blocked, one still works (or miraculously worked again after being blocked). My principal profile is accessible to me only on the aforementioned broke down notebook, but I managed to access my business pages and appoint the one profile that still works on my good computer as administrator. 
 
If you have time to check this out - I posted a series of blogs on Steemit, the latest one is this: 
https://steemit.com/facebook/@thermoplastic/facebook-rant-nr-5
and it has all the links to the previous entries back to when this stupid circus began - in the first one, I link to the Norton Forum and quote one contributor that is a security expert.
Included in this "rant" is a link to engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2016/01/29/facebook-news-algorithm-spam-false-p...
because it could well be if you were continuously flagged for spam by some troll that would trigger the Facebook block. 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 2:24PM · Edited: 28-Oct-2017 | 2:30PM · Permalink

The only way you can get to those links when you are blocked is if you use a different email account than the one you used before on Facebook, and you open a new account. You can do that on the very same computer those Facebook gnomes claim is infected! I did. I have 3 accounts, 2 of which are blocked.
I have not tried the surface mail you posted. But I hold out little hope that this would do any good. Have you heard of file 13? 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_13

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 4:14PM · Permalink

Ottorapp:  It's nice to see/read that another person here understands the issue.  :)  <-- wry grin

As for the rest of you who are attempting to help by recommending we just go ahead and run Facebook's scan, please stop.  That is NOT an acceptable solution.

Ottorapp, you and I have both deduced that the issue has absolutely NOTHING to do with an individual's computer.  You tried it on multiple computers with the same predictable results, as did I.

Clearly, the issue resides in one's Facebook login.  

Therefore, I recommend, again, that someone find an old or cheap computer upon which they can can run Facebook's precious scanning software, regain access to their account, then reformat that old computer and put it back to good use with a clean install of its operating system.  

Symantec/Norton, however, should STILL weigh in on this issue (other than merely and disingenuously denying any culpability) because Facebook's claim continues to insinuate a failure on the part of Norton AV/Norton Security.

In the meantime, I recommend everyone affected by this issue report it to their Congressman.  This may very well be collusion between Facebook and an agency of the federal government designed to gain unauthorized access to our systems in violation of our 4th Amendment rights.  Perhaps they thought that by keeping the numbers low people wouldn't notice.  Perhaps they thought low numbers might keep it in the "woo-woo" i.e. conspiracy theory status.  However, they've not only been caught numerous times in the past doing this, they've been busted at it a fair number of times, too.  

Before you criticize, please realize this link is NOT to some CT site:  http://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1983/4/83.04.07.x.html

Take-away from the link:  "Both the Federal Communications Act of 1934 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968 were major pieces of legislation used to control the use of electronic surveillance devices. Title III of the Safe Streets Act allowed wiretapping, bugging etc. under limited conditions and made it a tort to illegally engage in electronic surveillance—allowing the victim to recover damages."

The hard part is proving it.

Kudos1 Stats

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 28-Oct-2017 | 4:33PM · Edited: 28-Oct-2017 | 4:41PM · Permalink

Now who could argue with that? There is nothing more to say, swamper777 laid it all out in his contributions on this tread. 

swamper777:

Ottorapp:  It's nice to see/read that another person here understands the issue.  :)  <-- wry grin

As for the rest of you who are attempting to help by recommending we just go ahead and run Facebook's scan, please stop.  That is NOT an acceptable solution.

Ottorapp, you and I have both deduced that the issue has absolutely NOTHING to do with an individual's computer.  You tried it on multiple computers with the same predictable results, as did I.

Clearly, the issue resides in one's Facebook login.  

Therefore, I recommend, again, that someone find an old or cheap computer upon which they can can run Facebook's precious scanning software, regain access to their account, then reformat that old computer and put it back to good use with a clean install of its operating system.  

Symantec/Norton, however, should STILL weigh in on this issue (other than merely and disingenuously denying any culpability) because Facebook's claim continues to insinuate a failure on the part of Norton AV/Norton Security.

In the meantime, I recommend everyone affected by this issue report it to their Congressman.  This may very well be collusion between Facebook and an agency of the federal government designed to gain unauthorized access to our systems in violation of our 4th Amendment rights.  Perhaps they thought that by keeping the numbers low people wouldn't notice.  Perhaps they thought low numbers might keep it in the "woo-woo" i.e. conspiracy theory status.  However, they've not only been caught numerous times in the past doing this, they've been busted at it a fair number of times, too.  

Before you criticize, please realize this link is NOT to some CT site:  http://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1983/4/83.04.07.x.html

Take-away from the link:  "Both the Federal Communications Act of 1934 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968 were major pieces of legislation used to control the use of electronic surveillance devices. Title III of the Safe Streets Act allowed wiretapping, bugging etc. under limited conditions and made it a tort to illegally engage in electronic surveillance—allowing the victim to recover damages."

The hard part is proving it.

Now this is what I plan to do with my little old broken down 10" notebook (where I had no important files, so I ran the stupid scan on it). I will install a new RAM and OS on it and keep it just for Facebook, and nothing else.
It won't make a change on my main computer, but I could just quit dealing with Facebook on that one, and make that little notebook my "Facebook" access. One of my profiles does still work on my large computer, and I had used the old broken down notebook to laboriously install my "evil twin" profile as administrator on my business pages. 

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 29-Oct-2017 | 3:31AM · Permalink

Interesting this thread is still going! Anyway I was free for five minutes this morning and noticed another blogger speaking about this (dont know if they have posted here under another guise). There is a couple of workarounds mentioned so thought I would add it here for others to read and add to the list of information to what could be going on:

http://jackyan.com/blog/2016/01/if-facebook-says-you-have-malware-do-not...

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 30-Oct-2017 | 7:01PM · Permalink

Interesting- my wife just logged in with no problem. She was using different laptop til now, and now she just gave try. It kicked in. Lets hope it was just a glitch. Who knows. Lets hope it will stay like this all the time.

Kudos0

Re: I have been blocked from logging onto Facebook as it claims that I have malware and must add a ESET program to scan all my files

Posted: 11-Nov-2017 | 6:02AM · Edited: 11-Nov-2017 | 6:05AM · Permalink

It is no longer interesting- again our 2 main laptops cannot access her Facebook account and my account I can log in easy. She is now all the time on her third  "emergency" old laptop. It is again since 31 October 2017.

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