Personal data is becoming ever more accessible to the likes of fraudsters and cyber criminals as people offer more information about themselves online. According to Talk Talk, a UK internet provider, over eight million homes in the UK were targeted by cyber criminals attempting to steal personal data in the first quarter of 2011.
The number of people falling victim to identity fraud is increasing, with the majority of the public as well as many businesses, not doing enough to protect themselves. According to internet service provider Talk Talk, more than eight million homes in the UK were targeted by cyber criminals seeking personal data in the first quarter of 2011.
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 gaining only a few pieces of information online hackers are able to commit identify theft, fraud and intrusion through a process known as social engineering. The recent popularity of online applications on social networks also poses a new threat as fraudsters have used them to bypass privacy restrictions allowing them to gain information about the user as well as the friends they interact with.
Steps to help protect your online data
- Be cautious of any website which asks you to enter personal information and ask yourself whether it is actually needed, especially if it involves a credit or debit card transaction.
- Business can take extra protection to prevent potent network intrusions from potential hackers. Quality data protection software can provide your company with additional online security as well as allowing you to control what websites employees can visit while at the office.
- Only upload as little information about yourself as possible on network sites to prevent fraudsters from gaining important data.
- Make sure you use privacy settings on social network sites and only use applications which you know are safe to use. Also ensure you use a secure password for all of your online profiles, refraining from using personal data such as your date of birth or your mother's maiden name.
The number of people falling victim to identity fraud is increasing, with the majority of the public as well as many businesses, not doing enough to protect themselves. According to internet service provider Talk Talk, more than eight million homes in the UK were targeted by cyber criminals seeking personal data in the first quarter of 2011.
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 gaining only a few pieces of information online hackers are able to commit identify theft, fraud and intrusion through a process known as social engineering. The recent popularity of online applications on social networks also poses a new threat as fraudsters have used them to bypass privacy restrictions allowing them to gain information about the user as well as the friends they interact with.
Steps to help protect your online data
- Be cautious of any website which asks you to enter personal information and ask yourself whether it is actually needed, especially if it involves a credit or debit card transaction.
- Business can take extra protection to prevent potent network intrusions from potential hackers. Quality data protection software can provide your company with additional online security as well as allowing you to control what websites employees can visit while at the office.
- Only upload as little information about yourself as possible on network sites to prevent fraudsters from gaining important data.
- Make sure you use privacy settings on social network sites and only use applications which you know are safe to use. Also ensure you use a secure password for all of your online profiles, refraining from using personal data such as your date of birth or your mother's maiden name.
About the Author:
The same principles apply if you own a company - to protect your data you should invest in managed network data services for peace of mind.
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