Facebook and Websense have joined forces to offer greater protection for users by scanning every link on the site.
Websense will be using its ThreatSeeker Cloud technology to run Facebook links through, identifying which ones lead to malicious sites.
The partnership will hopefully mean we won't see the number of malicious links go up to 20 per cent of status updates.
The overall aim is to prevent Facebook members from falling victim to phishing scams and malware.
Users will start to see warnings soon as Facebook is updating its servers this week. Anytime a user clicks on a link it will be checked by Websense for its safety. If unsafe, a box will appear warning the user.
Carl Leonard, senior manager of Websense Security Labs, said the company will be scanning hundreds of thousands of links a day, claiming around 10 per cent of URLs on status updates were malicious.
Leonard told IT Pro Facebook needed to partner with security companies like Websense as they start to cater to an ever-growing user base, one that needs protecting.
"As they scale they're now at around 800 million users having us apply our advanced technology really gives them the edge to protect users. It's our specialty to scan stuff like this," he said.
"It's a natural progression for Facebook to add these extra layers of security The partnership will hopefully mean we won't see the number of malicious links go up to 20 per cent of status updates."
Leonard was nevertheless "certain" the volume of threats on Facebook would continue to grow.
He was unable to go into the details of the agreement, so it remains unclear who gains a financial benefit from the deal.
-
BenQ PD3226G monitor reviewReviews This 32-inch monitor aims to provide the best of all possible worlds – 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and pro-class color accuracy – and it mostly succeeds
-
Layoffs loom for underskilled tech workers and poor performersNews Tech hiring managers expect to make layoffs in the coming months, with roles ripe for automation and workers with outdated skills the most likely to be cut.
-
Meta to pay $725 million in Cambridge Analytica lawsuit settlementNews The settlement closes the long-running lawsuit into how Facebook's owner, Meta, handled the Cambridge Analytica scandal
-
Meta's earnings are 'cause for concern' and 2023 looks even bleakerAnalysis Calls for investor faith in metaverse tech only emphasise the worries that its investment strategy won't pay off
-
Microsoft and Meta announce integration deal between Teams and WorkplaceNews Features from both business collaboration platforms will be available to users without having to switch apps
-
Facebook is shutting down its controversial facial recognition systemNews The move will see more than a billion facial templates removed from Facebook's records amid a push for more private applications of the technology
-
'Changing name to Meat': Industry reacts to Facebook's Meta rebrandNews The rebrand attempts to provide a clearer distinction between Facebook and its umbrella company
-
Facebook's Oversight Board demands more transparencyNews Board bashed the social media giant for its preferential treatment of certain high-profile accounts
-
Facebook claims AI managed to reduce hate speech by 50%News The social media platform has hit back at claims the tech it uses to fight hate speech is inadequate
-
Facebook to hire 10,000 workers across the EUNews The high-skilled jobs drive is a “vote of confidence” in the European tech industry
