There are a variety of threats on social networks. These can be in the form of malicious applications or even data mining attacks. Here is some information on how to avoid being a victim of social network threats. Also read about how to protect yourself from Phishing attacks and keep your Linkedin account private.
Facebook applications
The sheer volume of data that is posted on Facebook makes it easy for cybercriminals to target users and exploit them. They can hide behind malicious content or shortened URLs or pose as co-workers or peers. It’s estimated that about 6 lakh Facebook accounts are hacked each day. Depending on the targeted user’s network access, the attacker can also use the information to steal valuable data.
These developments have prompted the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Commerce Department to get involved in the matter. In a recent report, the FTC called for greater transparency in privacy notices from internet companies. It also said that Americans have been harmed by a patchwork of privacy laws that makes it difficult to protect their privacy.
Phishing attacks
Phishing attacks on social networks are a growing concern. Social networking sites have become ubiquitous, used by individuals to connect with friends and businesses to keep customers updated about new offerings. Phishing attacks can exploit personal information on these sites to steal identity and money. With Trovaprezzi.it tools like Hidden Eye and ShellPhish, perpetrators can make the process easy and quick.
AOL first became popular for phishing attacks, as users were able to use AOL account information to steal credit card numbers. Over time, these attacks evolved to attack online payment systems. The first direct attack on a payment system affected E-gold in June 2001. The same year, the Post-911 id check was launched, which was considered an early experiment against mainstream banks. In the following years, phishing attacks became an industrial-scale crime, affecting more social networks.
Linkedin accounts set to private
Whether or not to make LinkedIn accounts private is a personal decision. Users can change their settings in the upper right hand corner of the website. Click on the Settings and Privacy link. From there, select the Secure connection option. Then, change your password. If you do not want other users to see your information, you should make your account private.
Because LinkedIn accounts contain so much personal information, it’s essential to keep them private. Hackers are known to steal and use this data for malicious purposes. If a hacker has access to your account, they can use it to post information on your behalf and damage your reputation. LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft, has experienced a significant data breach in 2012. However, the site has increased security and enhanced privacy measures.
Data mining attacks
Data mining attacks on social networks can take a variety of forms. These attacks use malicious links to access someone’s account and gather sensitive information. These links are often shortened to avoid detection and contain malicious code or scripts. These attacks can cause a great deal of damage to the popularity and reputation of an organization. In addition to social network hacking, third-party applications can be vulnerable to these attacks. For example, a hacker can manipulate the results of a web survey by submitting multiple IP delivers. This can cause a large number of votes to be submitted, and the attacker can outvote a genuine client.
Data mining attacks are a growing concern. Social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, provide rich data sources for attackers. According to a recent IBM study, human beings generate 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. These databases can be used for a variety of purposes, from intelligence gathering to marketing.