Cybercrime major threat on social networks

[Peaches]

Cybercrime major threat on social networks

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 | 1:14 PM ET

CBC News -

The online security firm Sophos is warning of a growing threat to consumers as scammers turn to social networks on the internet.

Computer security firm Sophos has found cybercriminals are increasingly turning to social networks to gain access to private information. (iStock)The company's 2010 mid-year security report says as more people and businesses sign onto online social networks cybercriminals are using them more frequently to steal data and download malicious software.

The report says social network sites provide fertile ground for spam and malware because messages sent over the network are more likely to be opened and trusted than standard email messages. The messages can be used to trick people into revealing personal information or clicking on dangerous web links.

In the past six months Sophos reports increases in spam, phishing and malware attacks on social network users. One example the report points to is the Koobface worm, which it says has become more diverse and sophisticated in the past year.

The worm, which began on Facebook, now includes a wider range of targets including MySpace, Bebo, Tagged and Friendster.

Read more details here: http://www.cbc.ca/co...cybercrime.html