A new computer virus spreading through social networks appears to have an in-built preference for Russian speakers.
Around 20 per cent of Russian and 40 per cent of Ukrainian users on Facebook have been infected.
The virus sends users an innocent looking link. Following it triggers a harmful software download.
This enables hackers to steal sensitive data from PCs and illegally transfer funds from electronic payment accounts.
This comes amid reports that the US police have formed a task force which will monitor social networks like Twitter and Facebook for people bragging about their crimes online.
The officers will also mine social media looking for info about troublesome house parties, gang showdowns and other potential mayhem, reports Daily News.
The need for such a unit has been demonstrated during the recent riots in the UK, when looters used Twitter and BlackBerry messages to plan attacks on shops and warn each other about police movements.