The fast-growing, widespread use of social networking Web sites is putting users in "serious danger" of cybercrime, according to a study by the Chief Marketing Officers Council.
Furthermore, despite concerns about the overall security of such public spaces, few users are taking even basic precautions to protect themselves against online crimes.
Indeed, the study found that the majority of social networking users are afflicted by Web borne security problems, but fewer than one in three are taking actions to protect themselves online.
"As social networking populations grow globally and the proliferation of niche social networks and mobile offerings extends the reach of social communities, the threats and vulnerabilities are escalating accordingly," said Donovan Neale-May, executive director of the CMO Council.
"More frequent breaches and outbreaks on popular social sites are a testament to the need for a more preventative mindset and threat-alert culture among community users."
The survey, entitled "Bringing Social Security to the Online Community", polled a random sampling of more than 250 consumers during the second quarter of 2009.
Study participants indicated concern over growing phishing, spam and malware attacks, with nearly 50 percent of those surveyed saying they were "very concerned" about their personal identity being stolen in an online community.
According to the poll results, despite widespread use (86 percent) of social networks, most failed to conduct basic security measures on a consistent basis.
For example, 64 percent reported changing their passwords only infrequently or never, while 57 percent said they adjusted their privacy settings infrequently or never. Meanwhile, 90 percent said they rarely or never informed their social network administrator of potential problems.
Despite the security risks, participants identified several practices that could cause harm to unprotected users. For instance, 21 percent said they had accepted contact offerings from members they didn’t know, while more than half allowed acquaintances or roommates to access social networks on their machines.
Despite the security risks, participants identified several practices that could cause harm to unprotected users. For instance, 21 percent said they had accepted contact offerings from members they didn’t know, while more than half allowed acquaintances or roommates to access social networks on their machines.
The poll also found that 64 percent of respondents had clicked on links offered by community members or contacts, while 26 percent shared files within their social networks. This proliferation of files, links and unsolicited contacts has led to a number of breaches. Indeed, nearly 20 percent have experienced identity theft, 47 percent have been victims of malware infections and 55 percent have seen phishing attacks.
The company hopes to reverse this trend, MacDermott said.
"Our Data Snatchers campaign is a viral effort that will not only get consumers thinking about their personal security but will also provide them with simple tools to do something about it when they are in the spaces that make them feel the most vulnerable."
MacDermott also advises users to follow six steps to maximize their cyber: security
- Do not accept pop-ups or prompts for software, unless you're armed with software that scans each site for infections prior to access.
- Never provide, post, or submit any confidential personal data.
- Change your password at least once a month, and do not change it if you're prompted to (this can be a third party malicious link).
- Do not allow others to access their social networks on your computer, nor yours on their machine. This could introduce infections to your computer through unsafe practices, or your login security could be compromised via cookies saved on your computer.
- Never auto save your password information, and clear your history at least once a week.
- Do not accept friend requests from people you do not personally know.
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