Social Networking Safety: Tips for Avoiding Internet Viruses

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) January 19, 2010

From the Facebook addict to the Twitter newbie, everyone has a place in the social networking world today. In fact, a recent Nielsen Company report found that the time Americans spent on social networking sites in 2009 increased by 277 percent from the previous year. The high traffic and personal focus of these sites makes them the perfect place for hackers to target potential victims. Fortunately, there are easy ways to stay safe online. Get started with these social networking safety tips from http:WildBlue Deals, an authorized dealer for WildBlue Communications - the leader in high-speed satellite Internet.

Check messages with caution – Social networking viruses have recently started targeting users’ inboxes. Hackers send messages with links to supposedly funny videos, pictures or stories. They sometimes position themselves as a close friend – leveraging personal information from someone’s profile. In one 2009 virus, when users would click the link in a message, it took them to a site and began downloading a program that pulled personal information from their computer. To be safe, if a message looks at all suspicious or the sender isn’t a good friend, don’t click the link.

Surf on a secure network – One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain personal information or attack a computer is by targeting people who surf on an unsecure internet connection. Satellite Internet offers an extremely secure connection and delivers high-speed internet to even the most rural areas of the country. Accessing a secure network typically requires a username and password, which can keep unwelcome hackers out.

Think before clicking ‘Accept’ – Active social networkers receive friend requests and event invitations on a regular basis. While the idea of adding friends is exciting, check the legitimacy of the request before clicking ‘Accept.’ New viruses send friend requests and event invitations from fake accounts. When users accept the request, it takes them to a site where a virus is downloaded.

Don’t get too personal – As internet hackers get more advanced, they need less information to steal someone’s identity. Keep this in mind when creating a profile on a social networking site. Never include a specific home address. Some hackers can use that information, along with a hometown and date of birth to figure out personal passwords and access private information.

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