Here’s an interesting article about the results of a survey that discusses the relationships between social networking services (i.e. MySpace, Facebook, Match.com, etc):

The results of the first social networking study examining the link between specific online behaviors and the potential for becoming a victim of cyber-crime. Although social networking sites, such as MySpace and FaceBook, have been examined from the standpoint of physical security issues, including sexual predators, this survey examines users’ online behavior and the possibility of other threats such as fraud, identity theft, computer Spyware and viruses. Highlights of the survey include:

* Although 57 percent of people who use social networking sites admit to worrying about becoming a victim of cyber-crime, they are still divulging information that may put them at risk. For example 74 percent have given out some sort of personal information, such as their e-mail address, name and birthday.
* 83 percent of adults social networking are downloading unknown files from other people’s profiles potentially opening up their PCs to attacks.
* 51 percent of parents aware of their children social networking do not restrict their children’s profiles so only friends can view, leaving their child’s profiles unrestricted to potential predators.
* Furthermore, 36 percent of these parents surveyed do not monitor their children on social networking sites at all.

In contrast to the popular perception that social networking is an activity enjoyed almost exclusively by tweens and teens, the CA (NYSE: CA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) social networking research study reveals a large number of adults (48 percent), 18 plus, social network. It is not just young adults social networking, 53 percent of adults who use social networking sites are over the age of 35. The growing number of adults using social networking sites is an indicator of the increasing popularity—and potential security risks—of these sites.

You can read the rest of the article HERE.

As great as all of these social networking services are, just remember to always stay on your guard. Never post personally identifying information or anything sensitive that may be exploited by others. These services are developed with positive intentions but just remember to be smart and safe, no matter how enticing it may be to do otherwise.

Tags: Social Networking