Protecting Your Personal Data From Identity Thieves
Online identity fraud is increasing as more and more people and businesses willingly upload personal data to the likes of social networking sites. According to internet service provider Talk Talk the majority of users also appear to take little care in preventing themselves from fraudsters with an estimated eight million UK homes being targeted by cyber criminals seeking personal data in the first quarter of 2011 alone.
Social networks rely on people to share personal information with each other on a daily basis, however as a consequence they have become a breeding ground for online fraudsters. With the likes of Facebook and Twitter encouraging users to enter their name, date of birth, location, career and interests is leaving many people exposed online, often ending up on search engine databases.
However while users believe they are safe and protected by the privacy settings provided by network sites, it appears many are unaware of the potential dangers online and don't appear to consider controlling the access to personal information.
Personal data on social networks:
A new study by the life assistance group CPP assessed the dangers of user exposure on Facebook. Their results found only 1% of users had absolutely no data point on their profiles, while at least 32% contain at least two pieces of personal information.
The study also found that 6% of users still allow anyone to see their entire profile by disregarding the privacy settings, leaving them highly susceptible to data hackers.
The most worrying result was that 9% of users said they would accept an invitation from a complete stranger if they regarded them as popular or good looking, however fraudsters have found fake profiles to be an effective and easy way of accessing personal data.
How personal data can become easily accessible online
The level of trust associated with social sites has posed particular security issues for those that believe their information is safe behind basic privacy settings, as online fraudsters are constantly finding ways to access personal data.
By simply gaining a few pieces of personal data through a process known as social engineering, hackers are able to commit identity theft, fraud and intrusion. To bypass a users privacy settings fraudsters have found fake profiles and online applications the easiest ways in which to gain data. Applications are run by third party services and can be difficult to monitor by Facebook administers. The majority of them also require you to allow the programme to access your personal data in order to work and some cases can even access your friends' accounts.
Protecting your data
- Be wary of anyone who asks for personal details especially, if it involves bank or credit card details.
- Businesses can protect themselves from potential network intrusions with data protection software which provides online security and prevents employees from accessing potential harmful sites or applications in the office.
- Try and upload as little information about yourself as possible, especially on a social networking site. The more information people share to the world, the more valuable they are to hackers.
- Put a secure password on all of your accounts and refrain from using easily available information such as your date of birth, mother's maiden name or street address.
Social networks rely on people to share personal information with each other on a daily basis, however as a consequence they have become a breeding ground for online fraudsters. With the likes of Facebook and Twitter encouraging users to enter their name, date of birth, location, career and interests is leaving many people exposed online, often ending up on search engine databases.
However while users believe they are safe and protected by the privacy settings provided by network sites, it appears many are unaware of the potential dangers online and don't appear to consider controlling the access to personal information.
Personal data on social networks:
A new study by the life assistance group CPP assessed the dangers of user exposure on Facebook. Their results found only 1% of users had absolutely no data point on their profiles, while at least 32% contain at least two pieces of personal information.
The study also found that 6% of users still allow anyone to see their entire profile by disregarding the privacy settings, leaving them highly susceptible to data hackers.
The most worrying result was that 9% of users said they would accept an invitation from a complete stranger if they regarded them as popular or good looking, however fraudsters have found fake profiles to be an effective and easy way of accessing personal data.
How personal data can become easily accessible online
The level of trust associated with social sites has posed particular security issues for those that believe their information is safe behind basic privacy settings, as online fraudsters are constantly finding ways to access personal data.
By simply gaining a few pieces of personal data through a process known as social engineering, hackers are able to commit identity theft, fraud and intrusion. To bypass a users privacy settings fraudsters have found fake profiles and online applications the easiest ways in which to gain data. Applications are run by third party services and can be difficult to monitor by Facebook administers. The majority of them also require you to allow the programme to access your personal data in order to work and some cases can even access your friends' accounts.
Protecting your data
- Be wary of anyone who asks for personal details especially, if it involves bank or credit card details.
- Businesses can protect themselves from potential network intrusions with data protection software which provides online security and prevents employees from accessing potential harmful sites or applications in the office.
- Try and upload as little information about yourself as possible, especially on a social networking site. The more information people share to the world, the more valuable they are to hackers.
- Put a secure password on all of your accounts and refrain from using easily available information such as your date of birth, mother's maiden name or street address.
About the Author:
It is not just individuals who are at risk, but companies also. Ensure your network is protected with IT data management services such as disaster recovery
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