Social networking participants at risk
With an increase in the number of users involved in social networking, the number of risks which they face has proportionally increased. As sites like Facebook and Twitter are getting exceedingly popular among people of all sectors, the hackers seem to be using this in their favor and have been invading a large number of networking sites.
According to statistics, Carlsbad based Breach Security said the number of Web security incidents was up 30 percent in the first half of 2009. Also it was ascertained that 19 percent of the attacks were targeted at social networking sites and 16 percent on media sites and another 12 percent were aimed at retail, technology, retail and government/political sites. Compared to last year when only government networks were majorly attacked, the year 2009 has seen a large number or attacks directed at social networking sites.
As social networking users have now become very vulnerable to attacks there are several precautions users can take to protect themselves from extensive damage.
To start with, users can start making backups of all the files on their computers or laptops. If you are an extensive networker, it’s best to protect your data from complete destruction by keeping backup files of all your information.
The next best thing to a protecting armor from the hackers is the availability of online security software. Usually most computers come with security software and if it does not, it’s very simple to get it installed and has proven to be very effective against unwanted viruses and hackers!
Another very important but extremely simple solution when it comes to hackers attacking you in social networking sites is to not give out too many personal details unless completely necessary. Even though you are allowed some control over the security setting, its best to avoid giving too much information. The rest is a bunch of precautions we are all familiar with – do not open links to any unfamiliar sites in your e-mails as your mails are the most susceptible areas of attack and also update your security software regularly to ensure its effective functioning.
Even though attacks on networking sites have become a large cause for concern, this is not a problem we cannot combat as long as we are equipped to manage the attack, remain vigilant when it comes to cybercrimes and ensure we follow security procedures.
Tags: network particpant at risk, precautions for network users, social networking