Online Valentine

By SaferDates

For those already involved in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to open up the lines of communication to let our significant other know how much we love them. For singles it can be a very emotional and vulnerable time and Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for scammers to target these emotions.

Online dating romance scams mainly target free dating websites or sites that do not moderate. They usually start with the scammer setting up a fake profile and making false promises. After building trust, scammers play on their victim’s emotions by planning to meet them in some faraway place or asking for money. To get what they want they may ask you personal questions about family members, where you live, your birthday or pry into your financial status. Do not share any of this information on your profile, merely describe who you are and what you are looking for in a partner.

Due to a 30 percent increase in online dating scams last year, more dating sites are working hard to weed out the scammers.  Unfortunately this percentage is a little higher because many victims do not report the scam - they are too embarrassed.

Safer online dating sites should include:

•    Moderating
•    Screening procedures to get accepted on the site.
•    Safety Tips
•    Background screenings
•    A way to contact the administration to report any suspicious activity.

Follow these safety guidelines and make this year a Valen-time to remember!

By Joe Campana

Beware of identity thieves that are students of social engineering. They can exploit your holiday cheer or drear by duping you into becoming another victim of identity theft. The term, social engineering, may sound innocuous, but it actually refers to trickery and deception. Social engineers manipulate people into giving up valuable information, and even money by playing to human emotions.

Most often social engineering refers to turning over sensitive information such as a Social Security number, credit card number, credit card id number (CCID, CSC, CVC, etc.), account or building access code or other confidential information that can be used by the thief for identity theft, fraud, espionage, and other crimes. Victims can even be duped into handing over money directly to sinister social engineers.

Holidays are advantageous to identity thieves that practice social engineering and pickpocketing. Consumers in the holiday mood are likely to have their guard down. Consumers in a heightened emotional state can be taken advantage of more easily. Social engineering identity theft grinches can nab your identity in person, over the telephone, by mail, email and through websites including social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Pickpockets may even use social engineering to engage and distract you emotionally, while another thief snatches your wallet or purse.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So be cautious of offers to earn additional income over the holidays or to obtain huge discounts on gift items. With the dreary economy and many people out of work, offers for making a quick buck or saving money are attractive. Some schemes scam consumers into giving out their Social Security number in the hope of getting work. Others may steal financial account information when consumers provide payment information thinking they are covering fees associated with bogus “make money now” schemes.

Look out for too good to be true prices on products advertised over the Internet. If the sale is on a popular retailer website that you got to by clicking on a link, how can you be sure they are at the authentic website of a retailer? The website may be a spoof (a clone or lookalike site). The sole purpose of a spoof website is to snatch your financial account information when you think you placed an order with the retailer. To be sure you are at the retailer’s authentic website, search for the retailer website with your search engine, don’t trust a link in an unsolicited email or one posted on social networking website.

Do your homework before doing business or making purchases online. Search the name of the company and look for complaints, alerts and warnings. Internet advertisements that appear on legitimate websites can be dubious if not completely fraudulent. It’s always worth an extra five minutes of online research instead of making an impulse purchase that you may later regret.  Research may not only save you from becoming a victim of identity theft, but you may find a better deal with a reputable retailer by doing your homework.

A recent e-Week Security Watch article lists many common e-scams such as phony charity scams, bogus social networking friend requests, holiday e-cards, super sale pitches, malware ridden Christmas carol websites, job and work from home scams, password stealing scams, e-banking attacks and others. These scams may involve phishing, pharming or malware downloads that infect your computer with not only viruses but also keylogging software that allows fraudsters to capture your keystrokes particularly when you are logging into an online financial account.

Social engineering schemes don’t just involve the Internet. They can occur by phone or by mail. Beware of telephone calls from financial institutions, credit card companies, law enforcement, government agencies and charitable organizations that ask you to provide sensitive information such as your Social Security number or financial account information over the phone. Don’t trust what you see on your caller id, because caller id’s can be faked through a practice called vishing.

Received a notice in the mail that you won the lottery? To collect the $100,000 prize, just wire $1,500 to an offshore agent to cover the taxes before cashing the $2,000 bogus advance check you received with the notice. It was a coincidence that just before a financially needy consumer and very happy prizewinner was going to wire money to the lottery agent, I asked, “Did you enter the lottery?”  That was an “Ah-ha” moment, when they realized they were about to be scammed. You can’t win, if you didn’t enter!

Recently a Madison, Wisconsin woman was taken for nearly $20,000, a laptop computer and a cell phone.  She met a man, an identity thief, through an online dating service. Crafty social engineers play on our strongest emotions, even love.

Whether it is a holiday, a commemorative day, a tragedy, or any day or situation when you may be vulnerable beware of social engineering.

Source: examiner.com

by Stan Schroeder

The latest research conducted by IT security firm Sophos shows that it’s very easy to convince Facebook users to reveal their personal info to complete strangers.

This is nothing new, mind you – after all, many users see Facebook (Facebook) as a possibility to make new friends – but it is worth noting that simply friending someone you don’t know nothing about can result in identity theft.

Here’s how Sophos conducted their research:

“Sophos created two fictitious users with names based on anagrams of the words “false identity” and “stolen identity”. 21-year-old “Daisy Felettin” was represented by a picture of a toy rubber duck bought at a $2 shop; 56-year-old “Dinette Stonily” posted a profile picture of two cats lying on a rug. Each sent out 100 friend requests to randomly-chosen Facebook users in their age-group.

Within two weeks, a total of 95 strangers chose to become friends with Daisy or Dinette – an even higher response rate then when Sophos first performed the experiment two years ago with a plastic frog. Worse still, in the latest study, eight Facebookers befriended Dinette without even being asked.”

At Sophos, they call it the “rubber duck attack”. The moniker is silly on purpose, as it shows how you can gather someone’s personal info without any technical expertise, simply by working within the social network’s rules.

It’s important to point out that Facebook gives very extensive privacy options for every profile; you can read the details on how to protect your data in our Facebook privacy primer. While there’s nothing wrong with being friendly, even with strangers, Facebook users need to understand that this friendliness can cost them, and the price of identity theft can be very high.

Check out a video showing how the “rubber duck” tactic can be used for identity theft below.

Source and Video: mashable.com

But watch out: Cyber Monday shoppers are cyber criminal targets

Daniel Vasquez on consumer issues Consumer columnist

Didn’t find what you wanted on Black Friday? That’s why the online gods invented Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday is the busiest online shopping day of the year - falling each year on the immediate Monday after Black Friday. And this year researchers say more retailers than ever - nearly nine out of 10 - will participate with special promotions.

That’s why it’s a great back-up sales opportunity for those items you couldn’t get your hands on during Black Friday. Maybe the items you wanted sold out or you were hoping for a better deal.

Expect some unprecedented offers as retailers and service providers scramble to bring in consumer dollars before year’s end. Check with your favorite retailers’ online sites for the best deals. Local retailers may also offer deals on their Web sites that allow buyers to pick up items at the store.

But Keep in mind, with Cyber Monday comes the increased risk of cyber crime. So it pays not only to take advantage of holiday online bargains, but also to be careful at the keyboard when making purchases.

Because Cyber Monday transactions occur online, cyber bad guys, including fraudsters, ID thieves and those who spread spam and malware, have a particularly ripe opportunity to take advantage of e-shoppers.

Here are some ways to stay crime-free on Cyber Monday:

Stick with sites you know. Now is not the time to go with a site you’ve never heard of. If you can, shop on sites you’ve already used. You can also visit sites dedicated to Cyber Monday deals, such as CyberMonday.com,Bargainist.com and FatWallet.com.

Check the URL address. Only shop online with secure retail sites and make sure the browser shows an address that begins with “https” not just “http.” Do your homework. Look up a product’s information online before Monday, including price, features, warranty, consumer reviews and ratings. Don’t just choose an item based on the lowest price.

Check Web sites repeatedly during the day. Different deals may appear at different times, even better ones later in the day. Check your cell phone for apps that might help you check deals.

Consider more than holiday gifts. Like Black Friday, Cyber Monday is a great time to take advantage of deals to replace important household items, such as a family TV or refrigerator. Or maybe you have been saving up to replace your home entertainment center. Cyber Monday may also be a good time to get gifts for upcoming birthdays or anniversaries.

Source: SunSentinel.com

With the economy downturn this year, merchants have more ads and sales to entice people to get out and shop this holiday season. Whether you are shopping in the store or online, be sure to use the following tips to be safe.

Black Friday
Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, malls, large retailers like Target and Best Buy, and grocery stores are more crowded than usual with shoppers – and thieves. Security in most places have been increased for the holiday season, but if you are out and about, ensure your safety with these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council:

Keep careful track of your bags and packages. Do not carry more than you can handle. Make frequent trips to your car to unload, and put the bags in the trunk or in a hidden place in your car. If you purchase a large or expensive item, it may be well worth it to drive the purchase home and return to the store for more shopping, instead of risking a break-in.

If you see unattended bags or packages, do not try to take the package back to the retailer on the bag or find the owner. Tell a security guard or store employee, and they will secure the package.

Check your receipts for accurate information. Your full credit card number should not appear on the receipt, but if it does, put the receipt in a safe place so you don’t accidently drop it while shopping. Someone could pick this up and use the information to make unauthorized purchases.

If you shop with children, have a plan in case you are separated. Have a central meeting place, and review with your children who is a safe person to approach, such as a mall security guard. Ensure that each child knows your cell phone number – you may want to print a card with emergency information and put it in your child’s coat or pants pocket.

Guard your money. Take only as much cash as you think you will need, and only take one or two credit cards. Keep your wallet close to you, and not in a large purse that you have to shuffle through every time you make a purchase. Keeping your wallet under your sweater, instead of in a coat pocket, can prevent pick-pocketing.

When getting cash from the ATM or using your debit card at the counter, be sure to guard your PIN number. Stand close to the keypad to block anyone who may be looking over your shoulder.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not walk in abandoned areas alone. Park under a light if possible, and walk in a well lit part of the parking lot if you are shopping after dark.

Cyber Monday
SafeShopping.org is an informational site created by the American Bar Association to help you order safely while shopping online. They offer these tips to prevent identity theft and shopping mishaps:

You can tell the internet connection is secure when there is a picture of an unbroken key or closed lock in your browser window. Either icon indicates that the merchant site is secure and your sensitive information, such as your credit card number, cannot be read by anyone else but the retailer. Make sure that the web address that asks for personal information starts with “https” instead of “http”. Some websites may use a pop up box that indicates a secure area or uses the term “Secure Sockets Layer” (SSL).

The safest way to pay online is by credit card. If your information is stolen and you have an unauthorized charge on your credit card, under federal law your liability is limited to $50. If you do have an unauthorized charge, you should give written notice to both the merchant and the credit card company within 60 days.

Unless you are sure of the address, do not send personal information via email. Email does not offer the same protection as these secure websites. Identity thieves can make up emails that look like secure websites, so if you receive an inquiry for personal information from someone you do not recognize, do not send personal information.

If you are more comfortable giving information over the phone rather than the web, most merchants offer this option. Be sure you record the phone number, company name, date and time of your call, and the name of the person who recorded your credit card number.

If you use a password for orders, make it different than the one you use to log into your computer or network. You may even want to create a special, stronger password that is harder for hackers to crack for web purchases. Do not use birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, recognizable words, or children’s names as passwords, as these are too easy to figure out.

To avoid computer viruses, do not open an attached file that ends in “.exe” as they could activate a computer virus and damage the information stored on your computer. Use a reliable anti-virus software program as well.

Web retailers are not yet required by law to maintain the privacy of people who order from their sites, so they may collect names, addresses, and other information and use these for marketing, or they may sell the information to other merchants and telemarketers. Check to see that the site you are ordering from has a privacy policy that ensures your name does not get sold for spam.

Source: emaxhealth.com

by Larry Magid

Retailers aren’t the only ones gearing up for the holiday season. Criminals are also out in force. To highlight the increased crime during the holidays, security company McAfee has come up with the “12 Scams of Christmas” ranging from bogus electronic greeting cards that deliver malware instead of cheer to fake charities that steal your money and your identity.

It’s especially important to be extra careful this time of year, says McAfee’s David Marcus. “The bad guys know people are spending more time online, they’re paying more bills online so [the criminals] stand a chance of being a bit more successful this time of year.

In a podcast interview (scroll down to listen), Marcus counted down the 12 scams of Christmas starting with:

1. Charitable phishing scams: Marcus warns consumers to be wary of e-mails that appear to be from legitimate charities. Not only will they take your money and deprive charities of needed funds, but they will also steal your credit card information and identity.

2. Fake invoices from delivery services: During this period, scammers will send out fake invoices and delivery notifications appearing to come from Federal Express, UPS, the U.S. Postal Service or even the U.S. Customs Service saying that they were unable to deliver a package to your address. They ask you to confirm your address and give them credit card information to pay for delivery.

3. Social networking friend requests: Bad guys take advantage of this social time of year by sending out authentic looking friend requests via e-mail. Marcus recommends that you not click on those links but sign into Facebook and other services and look for friend requests from the site itself. Clicking on a link could install malware on your computer or trick you into revealing your password.

4. Holiday e-cards: Be careful before clicking on a holiday e-card, especially if it’s from a site you haven’t heard of. This is a way to deliver malware, pop-ups, and other forms of unwanted advertising. Some fake e-cards will look like they come from Hallmark or other legitimate companies, so pay close attention and make sure it’s from someone you know. If you’re going to send an e-card, be sure you’re dealing with a reputable service lest you risk infecting yourself and your friends.

5. Fake “luxury” jewelry: If you see an offer for luxury gifts from companies like Cartier, Gucci, and Tag Heuer at a price that’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. These links could lead you to malware and take your money or merchandise that will probably never arrive (or be fake if it does). Some of these sites, according to McAfee, even display the logos of the Better Business Bureau.

6. Practice safe holiday shopping. Make sure your wireless network is secure and be sure you’re shopping on sites that are secure. Though it isn’t an iron clad guarantee, you should look for the lock icon in the lower right corner of your browser and make sure the Web page starts with https. The “s” stands for “secure.”

7. Christmas carol lyrics can be dangerous: Bad guys know that people are searching for holiday related sites for music, holiday graphics, and other festive media. During this time, they create fraudulent holiday related sites.

8. Job search related scams: With the unemployment rate at 10.2 percent, there are plenty of job seekers looking for work. Beware of online offers for high paying jobs or at-home money making schemes. Some of these sites ask for money up front, which is a good way for criminals not only to steal your “set up fee” but misuse your credit card too. Marcus said that some “get rich quick” sites are all about money laundering, asking you to accept an inbound financial transfer and pay them.

9. Auction site fraud: McAfee has observed a rise in fake auction sites during the holidays. Make sure you’re actually going to eBay or whatever site you plan to deal with.

10. Password stealing scams: Criminals use low-cost tools to uncover passwords, in some cases planting key logger software to record keystrokes. Once they get your passwords, they gain access to bank accounts and credit card accounts and send spam from your e-mail accounts.

11. E-mail banking scams: A common type of phishing scam is sending out official looking e-mails that appear to come from your bank. Don’t click on any links but type in your bank’s Web address manually if you need to access your account.

12. Files for ransom: Hackers use malware to gain control of your computer and lock your data files. To access your own data you have to pay them ransom.

Bottom line–Don’t let the eggnog and holiday cheer keep you from using your critical thinking skills when you go online during the holiday season. And, of course, make sure your operating system is updated and that you’re using up-to-date security software.

Source: news.cnet.com

This week, we will follow up on last weeks column by looking at some of the scams associated with Internet dating Web sites. While online dating can be fun and rewarding, it also can be crazy and dangerous. Let the online dater beware.

In particular, beware of any messages that read even remotely like the following: “I am so glad to read from you. I am from Oklahoma but presently I lived with my mother in England, London. etc. I still believe love has no boundaries.( yes we may somehow far from each other is some miles But distance away feels extra special.) I’m a great listener when my partner have trouble minded problem. I am the only Daughter of My Parent and i Do love them so much , but just that i Miss this presence of Dad any time i remember how this Happens,all My dad properties are In charge of Our lawyer, i will Take over Every thing Until i Got Married to My future Husband someday..and this Has been the Mean reason Why i am Online dating Stuff.”

If you were a single, lonely, middle-aged man, would you fall for an e-mail message like that? Believe it or not, many men do. I actually received those words, typos, bad grammar and all, in a dating Web site message. Naturally, the message was accompanied by a picture of a 20-something female who looked as pretty as a pinup girl and as American as apple pie. Even better, the message was addressed directly to me. This young specimen of loveliness actually wanted to go out with me, the middle-aged geek.

Of course, the above is an extreme example of a badly-worded dating scam; most have slightly better grammar. Under scrutiny, though, the majority of dating Web site scam letters can be found to have at least a few red-flag inconsistencies. Some will be a mixture of perfectly written phrases interrupted with awful grammar, showing that the scammers have copied and pasted well-written phrases from various sources and tried to fill in the blanks themselves. Still, I’ve lived in Oklahoma for almost 40 years and I’ve never met an Okie with such atrocious grammar as found in the example above; bad grammar, to be sure, but not that bad.

The reason for the poor English skills is simple: many dating scammers, despite what they say or the photos they send, are not from America. A large number of these crooks are based in Russia, China and Africa. The picture of the 25-year old swimsuit model was probably sent by a 55-year old male truck driver from the Ukraine.

Dating Web site scams work pretty much the same way as any Internet-related scam. First, the scammer has to gain the trust and confidence (hence, the “con” in “con game”) of his victim. The scammer strings the victim along until the time is right and then asks for money. They are all too often successful.

In dating scams, tender and sweet words are exchanged, exploiting everyone’s natural desire to be wanted and loved. Personal and family histories are related, likes and dislikes shared and intimate details revealed, often over a period of weeks or months. Once he has gained the trust of his victim, the scammer moves in for the kill. It’s usually something like, “If only I had $500 for a plane ticket, I would visit you,” or, “if only I had another few thousand dollars, my little boy could have that surgery to cure his blindness,” or, “I have a money order for $5,000, but I can’t cash it in my country. If I send it to you, will you deposit it in your bank and wire me the money?” I know of one fellow in town who fell for this last scam. It took his true innocence (read, “stupidity”) combined with an expensive lawyer to keep him from being charged with wire fraud by the FBI.

For some entertaining and informative videos about all types of Internet scams, visit fakechecks.org, a Web site created by the National Consumers League. Take their online “Fraud Test” and see if you pass. After all of this, you have no excuse for failure.

Check out this video Prevention Love Losses

Source: normantranscript.com

Source: www.bbb.org

Jacksonville, FL – For years, Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door. With the U.S. Census process beginning, BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.

“Most people are rightfully cautious and won’t give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, however the Census is an exception to the rule,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Unfortunately, scammers know that the public is more willing to share personal data when taking part in the Census and they have an opportunity to ply their trade by posing as a government employee and soliciting sensitive financial information.”

The Census data will be used to allocate more than $300 billion in federal funds every year, as well as determine a State’s number of Congressional representatives. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s request for information.

During the U.S. Census, households will be contacted by mail, telephone or visited by a U.S. Census worker who will inquire about the number of people living in the house. Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers who are impersonating Census workers in order to gain access to sensitive financial information such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers.

* The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
* Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.
* Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

By Stephanie Chen, CNN

(CNN) — (CNN) — If you’re on Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site, you could be the next victim.

Experts say cybercrooks are lurking just a mouse click away on popular social networking sites.

That’s because more cyberthieves are targeting increasingly popular social networking sites that provide a gold mine of personal information, according to the FBI. Since 2006, nearly 3,200 account hijacking cases have been reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

It starts with a friend updating his or her status or sending you a message with an innocent link or video. Maybe your friend is in distress abroad and needs some help.

All you have to do is click.

When the message or link is opened, social network users are lured to fake Web sites that trick them into divulging personal details and passwords. The process, known as a phishing attack or malware, can infiltrate users’ accounts without their consent.

Once the account is compromised, the thieves can infiltrate the list of friends or contacts and repeat the attack on subsequent victims. Social networking sites show there is ample opportunity to find more victims; the average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site.

“Security is a constant arms race,” said Simon Axten, an associate for privacy and public policy at Facebook. “Malicious actors are constantly attacking the site, and what you see is actually a very small percentage of what’s attempted.”

Social Media Crimes

As some social networking sites experience monstrous growth, they are becoming a new — and extremely lucrative — frontier for cybercrime. Facebook says it has 300 million users, nearly the size of the U.S. population, and it continues to attract users outside the college student niche. From February 2008 to February 2009, Twitter, a micro-blogging site where users post 140-character messages known as tweets, grew 1,382 percent to more than 7 million users.

“They [cybercriminals] are very adept to using social engineering,” said Donald DeBold, director of threat research for CA, an Internet security company. “Your friend is in trouble traveling in another country, ‘I lost my wallet. I need help.’ They exploit the curiosity aspect out of human nature.”

A few decades ago, malicious software and viruses were usually the result of a prank, but Internet security experts say today’s attacks are profit-driven. A study from the Indiana University in 2005 discovered that phishing attacks on social networks operated with a 70 percent success rate. These users had fallen for the scam, opened the foreign link and released personal information.

Cybercriminals are employing phishing and malware attacks for a number of reasons, including trying to redirect users to sites where profit is fueled by the number of visitors. They also try to elicit private information like passwords and bank account numbers to perform scams.

Early this year,Twitter experienced several phishing attacks in which a Web page that looked identical to the widely recognized light blue Twitter page was a hoax. The company warned users to double-check the URL to ensure they were visiting the correct site.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 72,000 complaints about Internet fraud in 2008 that were referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. These cases involved financial losses amounting to $264.6 million, an increase from 2007. Each person lost an average of $931.

“Most of us would want to help a friend in need, but if it’s an online friend, and they want you to wire money, you should double-check,” FBI spokesman Jason Pack said.

Security experts said it makes sense that cybercriminals are turning to social networking sites. Personal information is abundant on sites like Facebook and MySpace. Each time users give out valuable information like birth dates or addresses, they could be providing hints about their password, security experts say.

The American Civil Liberties Union has expressed concern about the information visible through Facebook quizzes and applications.

“They’ll have access to all that information, so they can sell it, they can share it, they can do an awful lot with it,” Chris Calabrese, legislative counsel for privacy-related issues with the ACLU, told CNN.com in September.

Many Internet security experts consider the first virus attack on the PC to have occurred in 1986. By the early 1990s, viruses transmitted on floppy disks became ubiquitous. When the World Wide Web became widely available that same decade, viruses, worms and malware became problems in e-mail accounts, frustrating users who clicked on messages thought to be legitimate.

In the new millennium, the most common form of malware attack has become known as drive-by downloads. While surfing on Google or Yahoo, spyware or a computer virus is automatically and invisibly downloaded on a computer, requiring no user interaction for the computer to be infected.

“We are on the verge from shifting from the Web being the No. 1 victim of infecting to social network,” said Mikko H. Hypponen, chief of research technology at F-Secure Corp. His company sells anti-virus software and malware protection programs. “It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.”

Social networks are fighting the aggressive attacks from cybercriminals. Most sites have information pages dedicated to educating users about the risks of Internet scams. Users can become a fan of “Facebook Security” and receive updates on how to protect their accounts. One of the most common pieces of advice given by security experts is to change passwords frequently.

Facebook has also developed complex automated systems that detect compromised accounts. They spot and freeze accounts that are sending an unusually high number of messages to their friends. Company security officials said Facebook is a closed system, which can be helpful in erasing phony messages from all accounts.

At News Corporation’s MySpace.com, the company creates blacklists of phony accounts to prevent people from clicking on a faulty link. Hemanshu Nigam, first chief security officer for MySpace, said the firm warns about suspicious links and educates users about the harm phishing and malware attacks can bring. “We are prepared for them,” he said.

If you have a Facebook account you’ll want to read this article by Dr Mercola. This is a great EASY to follow step by step way to help keep you safer on Facebook. After reading please pass it on to all of your Facebook friends.

10 Solid Tips to Safeguard Your Facebook Privacy

Facebook has over 300 million active users. It is growing VERY rapidly. In July of this year there were 250 million users and 75 days later they added another 50 million users. Please understand that Facebook will become as pervasive as phones and computers, so if you aren’t on already I would strongly encourage you to consider joining.

Unfortunately, most users don’t know the implications of entering personal information, making friends, and playing games on Facebook.

However these concerns are EASY to address if you follow these guidelines.