Cybercriminals 'targeting social networks'

Shoppers who purchase goods via the world wide web for parcel delivery need to be wary of the threat from cybercriminals targeting them through social networks, it has been suggested.

Dan Nadir, senior director of consumer products at world wide web security specialist Norton, stated on-line fraudsters are increasingly using this type of application to obtain personal information.

“The consequences can include losing your hard-earned cash, damaging your reputation, or getting malware installed on your computer,” he explained, adding that this type of attack can then send on more spam or malware to other machines.

This technique often works because the “bad guys” have realised that people are more likely to click on a link or open an attachment if it has been sent to them by a family member or friend, Mr Nadir added.

His comments follow the recent publication of a Harris Interactive survey by ID Analytics which revealed more than 24 million Americans on social networking sites keep their on-line profiles ‘mostly public’, meaning anyone can see their personal details.

source : news.myhermes.co.uk

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