Study: Millions of Swedes Potential Victims of Phishing Scams
With nearly 4 million Facebook members, Sweden has one of the highest rates of users of the popular social-networking site. But as familiar as the Swedes are with online networking, many will still fall victim to cyber crime and scams, according to a recent study.
Swedish IT security company Check Point Sverige examined how easily Facebook users can be duped into clicking unknown links. The company sent 200 Facebook users a message saying, “Look at my latest pictures” to see how many would click on the links. Those who clicked on the link never saw any pictures but were instead redirected to a site that displayed a warning message from the company.
Nearly 35 percent of the recipients of the email clicked on the link, and these people could become potential targets for phishing scams, according to Check Point.
“The study shows what kind of power social media hold over people and how vulnerable we are as users,” said Lars Berggrem, sales director at Check Point Sverige. “It also indicates how easy it is for an attacker to use the social networking sites to spread malicious links, worms, Trojans and viruses to a large audience in a matter of seconds.”
The study showed many did not hesitate to open unknown files and share personal details with strangers, including email and home addresses, date of birth, or other password-related information.
“Those who use social media often think they operate in a safe, private environment, but there are plenty of cyber criminals who pretend to be your ‘friend’ only to steal personal and confidential information, including bank details,” Berggren said. “Those who use social networks must learn they aren’t safe there and that they need to use the same safety mechanisms as for email.”
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