Facebook said on Tuesday its 350 million users can download a free six-month trial of McAfee’s Internet Security Suite, which protects computer users from viruses and other Internet threats.
Facebook and McAfee, the No. 2 maker of security software, have also co-developed a separate online tool that will scan and clean the computers of Facebook users which show signs of having fallen prey to an online attack.
Facebook said the scanning tool is being offered to its users at no charge. And it will not receive any revenue from McAfee if Facebook users purchase the McAfee Internet Security Suite software following the six-month trial.
Representatives of the two companies said in an interview that McAfee would advertise on Facebook as part of the partnership.
Facebook — along with other social networking services such as Twitter and News Corp’s MySpace — are among the most popular targets for hackers and cybercriminals. Criminals prey upon a false sense of security among their users who believe that these “walled gardens” of the Internet are immune from attack.

Facebook Teams up with McAfee
How to Get Protected
The deal between Facebook and McAfee introduces two significant security steps. The first step is McAfee is offering all Facebook users a free six-month subscription to its Internet Security Suite (along with a discounted price once the six months are up). Not a bad marketing deal for McAfee.
The second part of Facebook’s deal with McAfee is more interesting and innovative. Back in July Facebook created custom service that detects if your account has been compromised by a malicious third-party via a phishing attack. Now if that security trigger is set off McAfee jumps into action and will prompt you to use a free McAfee Scan and Repair program (see image below) the next time you log into your Facebook account. The assumption is, if your Facebook account has been compromised your PC may also be infected with malware.
