Facebook users warned on security
Facebook users warned on security
By Tim Bisley (Mon, 18th May 2009)
Broadband users have been advised to be extra careful about security when using social networking websites.
According to AVG Technologies, a provider of internet security solutions to homes and businesses across the UK, many people may not be fully aware that such sites are becoming a rich breeding ground for fraudulent activity.
Roger Thompson, chief research officer at the organisation, said online resources like Facebook could not necessarily be referred to as an "easy target", it was clear that some criminals were making use of the information they hold to commit online fraud.
He added that the site does take security seriously and has done everything in its power to tackle the problem of phishing and rogue applications that exploit their networks.
But he said the fact that Facebook was subject to certain weaknesses made it susceptible to periodical abuse.
Mr Thompson explained that, in addition to its size, Facebook has had to find a balance between security and functionality, which are typically more likely to "exist in an inverse relationship".
"That means the easier and more powerful you make something, the less secure it tends to be - and vice versa. By its very nature, Facebook builds for functionality and while it is not an easy target, it is a big, rich inviting target," he concluded.
It was recently revealed that Facebook had fallen victim to a new online phishing scam that saw around 200 million of its users targeted by hackers.
Of course, some internet service providers offer advice on security as well as software packages to help keep surfers safe - which could prompt some to consider switching.
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