WebProNews

The majority of social networking users are vulnerable to online security problems with less than one third taking actions to protect themselves, according to a new survey by AVG and the CMO Council.

According to the poll results most social network users fail to perform the following basic security measures on a regular basis:

• Changing passwords (64 percent infrequently or never)
• Adjusting privacy settings (57 percent infrequently or never)
• Informing their social network administrator (90 percent infrequently or never)

Donovan Neale-May
Executive Director
CMO Council

"As social networking populations grow globally and the proliferation of niche social networks and mobile offerings extends the reach of social communities, the threats and vulnerabilities are escalating accordingly," said Donovan Neale-May, executive director of the CMO Council.

"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."

Other security risks to social networking users include:

• 21 percent accept contact offerings from members they don't recognize
• More than half let acquaintances or roommates access social networks on their machines
• 64 percent click on links offered by community members or contacts
• 26 percent share files within social networks

Because of the widespread increase of links, files, and unsolicited contacts, users have experienced high levels of breaches and threats:

• Nearly 20 percent have experienced identity theft
• 47 percent have been victims of malware infections
• 55 percent have seen phishing attacks

"The fact that users understand the risks, and yet are failing to take the basic steps to protect themselves presents an interesting challenge to companies, like AVG, that are working to create a safer cyber community," said Siobhan MacDermott, Head of Public Policy, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, AVG Technologies.