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Facebook users face malware threat

February 02, 2010

The rise of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter has led to a surge in the number of malware attacks on unsuspecting users.

According to a recent study, malware attacks rose by 70% last year, while the number of users receiving spam via such sites also rose by 71%.

The relatively unrestricted nature of social networking sites is thought to be their Achilles heel when it comes to user security as malware can be spread more readily through messages that users believe are from friends or relatives.

According to internet security company Kaspersky Lab, attacks on social networking sites were 10 times more effective at spreading malware than email.

Graham Cluely, senior technology consultant for Sophos, said: "People are used to receiving spam and malware on e-mail, but are lulled into a greater sense of security on social networking sites, because they assume they are just getting messages from friends. They are more likely to open messages."

The study by IT security company Sophos illustrates the dangers that users face when they sign up to sites that require vast amounts of personal information.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

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