What do social networking users have in common with cigarette smokers? 
Members of both groups know they’re engaging in risky behaviors but don’t take steps they know will protect them.
The majority of social network users polled by AVG Technologies said they were concerned about becoming victims of online crime such as malware attacks and identity theft, but also said they weren’t taking even the most basic steps to protect themselves.
Half of the survey respondents said they are very concerned that their interactions on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook could lead to identity theft, but 64% say they rarely or never change their passwords—one of the most common security recommendations.
Other findings:
- 57% rarely or never adjust their privacy settings.
- 21% accept contact offerings—“friends”—from strangers.
- 64% click on links from contacts or other members.
- 26% share files within social networks.
- More than 50% let other people go to social networking sites on their computers.
All these bad behaviors haven’t been without consequences:
- 55% have been the target of phishing attacks.
- 47% have been infected with malware.
- Almost 20% have become identity theft victims.
Facebook and Twitter have been repeatedly attacked by hackers or malware, placing, at least, hundreds of thousands of users at risk, increasing the importance of safer cyber networking activities, and antivirus software updates.
“More frequent breaches and outbreaks on popular social sites are a testament to the need for a more preventative mindset and threat-alert culture among community users,” said Donovan Neale-May, executive director of the CMO Council, which co-authored the poll.
