Social media users ripe targets for cybercriminals

• 9% didn’t know people outside their friends list could see their posts
• 12% admit adding anyone to their list, whether they know them or not

 
ALMOST a third (30%) of social network users share their posts, check-ins and other personal info with everybody who is online, and not just their friends, according to a quiz by Kaspersky Lab.
 
This is leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals to attack, as users remain unaware of just how public their private information can be on these channels, the company said in a statement.
 
Despite over three quarters (78%) of Internet users having a social media account, the quiz showed a distinct lack of awareness amongst social media users.
 
One in 10 (9%) quiz respondents didn’t think people outside of their friends list could be seeing their pages and posts, making it easy for their personal information to fall into the wrong hands, or even be used by criminals for identity theft and financial fraud.
 
The research found that users are putting themselves in danger when adding friends, with a surprising 12% admitting adding anyone to their list – regardless of whether they know them or not, Kaspersky Lab said.
 
A third (31%) of users will also accept connections from people they don’t know, if they have mutual friends in common, although this could expose them to more unknown people – even advertisement agents or cybercriminals.
 
When it comes to trusting their ‘friends,’ a quarter (26%) of those surveyed would have no hesitation to click on a link sent by a friend without asking what it is, or considering the possibility that the sender’s account has been hacked.
 
“Social network users are playing a dangerous game by not being cyber-savvy and essentially giving strangers easy access to their personal details and private information,” said David Emm (pic), principal security researcher at Kaspersky Lab.
 
“With social media profiles containing a raft of insights – from birthdays through to addresses and holiday plans – it wouldn’t take much digging for a cybercriminal to find and exploit valuable information, or steal your identity for their own gain.
 
“This is even easier if you have unwittingly made them your friend,” he added.
 
To ensure your social network sharing doesn’t leave you exposed to danger, Kaspersky Lab advises Internet users to be cautious about whom they befriend and trust on these sites, as all might not be as it seems.
 
If in doubt, don’t accept a friend request or click on a link that you are not expecting.
 
It is also essential that privacy settings within social network accounts are at their highest, to ensure it is only your real friends you are sharing your status updates with, the company said.
 
Along with vigilance, security software makes it possible to protect your digital life against Internet threats and safeguard your privacy and identity.
 
For more information about how Kaspersky Lab’s home security products can keep you safe online, visit http://www.kaspersky.com/home-security.
 
You can also check your own level of cyber-savviness here.
 
To read more tips on how to protect yourself online, click here.
 
Related Stories:
 
Social networking: Is your status update also a red flag?
 
Nine social media scams you need to know
 
Unknown traffic bigger security threat than social media
 
 
For more technology news and the latest updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Like us on Facebook.