Attacks on social networks rising

The number of cyber attacks on popular social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are on the rise, according to network security firm Sophos.

The new “social security” report found an “explosion” of spam messages targeting users on the social networks.

“Computer users are spending more time on social networks, sharing sensitive and valuable personal information, and hackers have sniffed out where the money is to be made,” senior technology consultant Graham Cluley told News.com.au.

“Social networks and their millions of users have to do more to protect themselves from organised cybercrime, or risk falling prey to identity theft schemes, scams, and malware attacks.”

The study found about 57% of online social network users reported getting spam, in a 70% jump from the previous year. Additionally, 36% said they had been sent worms or viruses, equating to a 69.8% increase.