With the increasing popularity of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, they have become a popular target for cybercriminals who are looking to collect personal information so that it is easier to trick users with phishing scams and to distribute viruses and malware (malicious software).

With the growth of these social networking sites, it is said that by looking at the profiles it’s become the easiest and quickest way to commit ID theft. There is no need to hack or dumpster dive when a profile is so publicly displayed.

Ways to prevent phishing scams and the distribution of malware through social networking sites are:

• Making your passwords complex - involving numbers and symbols is a good way to do this
• Making your profile private
• Reduce the amount of personal information you include
• Be wary of new applications, especially those that are allowed access to your personal information and the personal information of your friends

Though these sites are great fun and a fantastic way to keep in touch with people, it’s always best to be safe about who you let look at your personal information.

Filed under: Business Tips, Websites, community