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Social networking sites pose password dangers

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Risks of identity theft and computer fraud are growing at a fast rate, driven by the rapid expansion of internet social networking into people's homes and workplaces.

The protection against identity theft requires a multiprong approach, according to Sam Tong, a security consultant at Symantec.cloud Hong Kong.

Tong recommends some best practices for protection. 'Try to use two-factor authentication to protect against socially engineered password theft if the social network provider supports it,' he says. 'Users should not share their addresses, phone numbers, or years of birthdays. It also helps by using privacy settings to restrict personal information to be viewed by approved contacts only.'

Exercise caution when clicking on shortened links, Tong adds. 'During a three-month observation in 2010, 65 per cent of the malicious uniform resource locators (URLs) observed on social networks were shortened ones. To protect yourself from malicious links in social networks, do not click on a link sent by someone you do not know. It is recommended to use security software to double check the safety of the link when you access it.'

Pop-up windows in social networks can also be a risk. Users should block pop-up windows with browser tools or security software and delete cookies and history after accessing social network websites, Tong advises. 'Reject the connection request from any unknown person and do not use unknown third-party applications in a social network website recommended by an unknown person.'

Users of social networking sites need to fully understand their rights in privacy protection when they sign up to such sites, says William Tam, technical manager at Websense, a web security software specialist. 'Because these rights and settings could change from time to time, users should sign up to news alerts or newsletters, such as Facebook Security, to stay updated on any latest changes.

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