The latest scams by cyber criminals are taking advantage of the public’s tendency to help out friends and family in trouble, which is complicated by the public’s naive trust in the safety of social networking, say security experts.
Social networks have become a “playground for cyber criminals,” according to an annual security report by Cisco Systems, Inc., a multinational company that distributes Internet networking products and security systems.
Members of these sites, the report says, trust other members of the site too much, and don’t take the time to protect themselves from viruses or malicious computer software.
“There is an excess of trust in social networking,” said Henry Stern, senior security researcher for Cisco in Canada.
Social media exploded in 2009 with Facebook alone amassing 350 million users this year. The report indicates social media will continue to grow in 2010, as businesses start to realize the value of engaging with social media.
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Notes:
I know that people like Facebook and Twitter. I won’t have anything to do with either because I became very uncomfortable with both. Cynapse explains how to tighten up your connection but it’s not enough in my mind.
Point: Everything you put on the net is subject to abuse. Think before you leap.
I don’t Twitter or Facebook or even text. Phone and Email is it. Have good security on my computer so far. Touch wood.
mid island mike
The only solution is to prohibit anonymity.
Public privacy is a ridiculous oxymoron.
Why should anyone expect to interact with the public anonymously? There is no precedent for it.
When the necessary checks and balances ensure people only communicate with their real name, not only criminal, but irresponsible, insincere and cowardly posts will also be self-curtailed by those who would otherwise prefer not to be accountable for their comments.
It is common sense people.
Facebook is a fantastic app to use from your mobile – it actually adds security by allowing everyone to contact you without giving away any specific details (ie your phone number). Apart from that, I’ve no use for it. The tip that I didn’t put in the tutorial was obvious – don’t post any information you don’t want shared. In other words, do the opposite of what Rob Misek says (as usual). The more info you put out there, the more will be stolen and marketed with. The CEO of Zynga isn’t anonymous and he’s still done plenty of damage with the information he’s taken.
Coward,
I doubt that either your name or anything you have to say would be worth sharing much less stealing.
You’re a loon. My words were for sensible people who understand the need for privacy (like the bloggers who’ve already been harassed for expressing their opinion). Resist the temptation to discuss anything with me the future.
I guess those anger management courses arent working for Rob.
Cowards,
Who asked you to respond to me?
I suggest that if you don’t like being exposed as a no account coward then don’t be one.
Public privacy is for oxymorons.
Do you even know what you’re talking about?
‘Do you even know what your talking about’ he obviously doesnt, Cynapse.
I’ll bet that he couldnt even find Russia on a clear day.