MySpace Faces Virus Outbreak

NEW YORK – It was only a matter of time, experts say, before the enduringly popular social networking site MySpace became the target of hackers and cyber criminals.

An official warning was issued Friday that the site and its more than 100 million users could be subject to a large-scale virus attack. In some cases, experts believe the network has already been hacked and that the transmission of viruses from site to site has only just begun.

Leading computer virus firm Sophos issued a statement saying that already several viruses specific to the MySpace networking environment are active. Those viruses, Sophos says, can change settings, delete files and track users' movements online. Sophos also reports seeing pages that contain code designed to automatically spread viruses through MySpace's buddy system.

Sophos chief Graham Cluley attributes the likelihood of a major MySpace virus outbreak to the fact that surfers, many of whom are teenagers, let their guard down in a socially interactive setting.

"But even a picture of a fluffy bunny rabbit on the site can contain a hidden piece of software that could harm your machine," Cluley said.

Based on a July survey, ScanSafe, a web security firm, claims that 600 profile pages on MySpace are already host to some form of malware, such as spyware and adware. ScanSafe also says that the presence of spyware and adware increased by 19 percent last month.

MySpace is a favorite social networking site for adult entertainers and business professionals. Some analysts have said that MySpace accounts for one percent of all Internet use in the workplace and 4.5 percent of all Internet traffic.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More