One thing for businesses, and the general public, to consider before they create an account on Social Media sites is the quickly growing rate of attacks that are being made on these sites by cyber-criminals. According to Symantec, a computer security firm, there were 286 million new cyber threats that emerged during 2010 that targeted social media sites. Due to the popularity of these sites, coupled with the new ground of social media for writers of viruses, these cyber-criminals have a wide range of opportunities to attack people. These new attacks represented a 93% increase in web-based attacks, which were created to steal money or data, and in some cases, taking over entire businesses.
The things to watch out for right now are viruses that piggyback off of news events that get clicks towards malicious links. They also get users to click on these links by telling them they have been tagged in photos or videos. There is also an increase in attacks on mobile devices and tablets. This will only increase as the use of these devices increases.
While the attacks of these sites will continue, it is important not to worry. Spyware and virusware are never far behind in finding ways to detect these malicious attacks and keep them from doing to much damage. Plus, most of these attacks haven't proven to be too lucrative for cyber-criminals. The upside of social networking sites to companies, as well as individuals, is far more beneficial, in my opinion, than the very low probability of getting a virus.
I always hate to hear about these types of things but you are correct and people need to be on the lookout for them. its only a matter of time though before a new wave of attacks come along. it stinks but its true.
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