Researchers at the Foundation of Research and Technology in Greece have created an experimental malicious Facebook app designed to disable websites. The malware masquerades as a “picture of the day” app. When a user clicks on the picture, the app sends streams of malicious data to the victim’s website. The rouge program was created to test how easily users of social networks can be unknowingly manipulated into participating in a malicious act. Facebook has yet to comment on this issue.

In other news, Google has officially announced the launch of the Google News Archive. Originally started in 2006, Google News Archive allows users to search for old newspapers that aren’t normally available online. According to product manager Pudit Soni, the service features full editions of the newspapers in question, not just certain articles or features. Aside from the traditional search, users will also have access to the service via the new “timeline” feature found in most new Google News pieces. Think of it as the microfiche for the 21st century.

CNN has announced a show based around social networking. Spun off from the popular CNN Newsroom program, Rick Sanchez Direct features CNN correspondent and known Twitter fanatic Rick Sanchez answering questions posed to him via social services such as Twitter and Facebook. Although many analysts are intrigued by the concept, some wonder if the wild and unruly image of social networking will hinder a live broadcast. The show airs live at three Eastern Time every weekday afternoon.

Geni is a social network built upon the idea of family trees. The main goal of the service is to create a family tree for the world, and so far it’s moving steadily onward toward that goal with 20 million profiles so far. While it doesn’t help find long lost descendants, Geni is the perfect tool for all of you who wish to keep track of the people you have already found.

And finally, blogging resource Copyblogger has a nice article about the so-called secrets of blogging. According to writer Sonia Simone, great blog content comes down to the “four C’s” – clarity, color (compelling stories), cut (editing), and carats (loyal fans). By basing your pieces on these four basics, she writes, you will have an effective blog that is high on both content and personality.