Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Social Networking Security Issues Debunked

We place a lot of trust in the social networks we use. Off the top of my head, my Facebook account includes my photos, intimate details of where have I been and what I do, not to mention passwords that I also use to access financial services. One of the issues facing social media platforms has surrounded privacy however, and there are compelling reasons why we should be very selective about what we post online.

Whether the issue you are concerned with relates to privacy, or the actual security of the website itself, it’s recommended you review the settings relating to account on a regular basis. This way, you can see exactly what access random members of the public have to your profile.

I always change passwords to obscure things that aren’t easy to guess, reducing the chances of hacking and also preventing unauthorised people from using my login information for their personal gain. With many e-commerce websites and services now offering the ‘Connect with Facebook’ option, an anonymous surfer with access to your account could be very dangerous.

Spam on walls has been a problem continuing to develop on Facebook. Now, some apps gain permission to post updates on your profile and that of your friends without obtaining your consent.

The other day, I had a message from a friend posted on my wall. Apparently, she had answered a question about whether or not I am attractive. In these situations, it may seem tantalising to install the app onto your account and read to find out what she had to say, but this can make things worse. Indeed, not only may she not have given her opinion about my dashing looks, but now my work colleagues, family members and close friends may be falsely informed that I’ve been answering questions about them online.

Finally, here’s another issue beginning to develop, and this relates to groups available on Facebook. Sometimes, these public pages promote an event, celebrity or business, or simply highlight funny and trivial matters in everyday life.

Another top tip is to be highly cautious when following external links outside of Facebook, or satisfying demands to complete ‘free surveys’ in order to receive a prize.

Other websites can be full of adware, malware and other dangerous threats, and you’ll be far more susceptible to an attack when browsing recommendations from groups before they are reported.

 

Article by Connor Sephton, 3rd August 2011

 

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