Do We Risk Using Social Networks?
Security research firm Sophos has made another survey about how social networks are used in order to distribute malware infections. During last year, the number of companies attacked by spam through social networks rose by 70 per cent. The research shows that Facebook is considered to be the most dangerous place of all social networks. Regardless this fact, many businesses still think that social networking is one of the best ways to promote itself.
Many companies have been using Facebook and other social networks to spread the information of their product or company. Sophos has found that of all the clicks made in 2009, 2 per cent of them were made on social networks. This is one of the main reasons why business companies cannot ignore this way of advertising.
Facebook is a leading network used to promote companies. On the other hand, the respondents understand that Facebook is a good source for spammers as well. Although it’s a good way to disseminate valuable information, many Facebook users have been cheated on when they reacted to fake emails sent by their friends, or emails hiding under some disaster (for example, the issue of Haiti) asking for money, etc. Such emails are often created by cyber criminals and people should be extremely careful about them.
Some companies even make restrictions to reach social networks to their employees in order to avoid infections that spread there. However, security experts suggest that, first of all, employers should teach their staff about social networks and how they are used to distribute infections.
Simon Axten, the spokesman of Facebook said that they are working on improving their security systems every day. They collaborated with McAfee in order to integrate scanning tool into Facebook system. However, technology can protect only to some extent so we should remember that it’s our responsibility to take care of what is happening on our or our company’s computer.
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