Facebook identity theft fears, 4 in 10 give away info

13:26 Tue 14 August 2007

Four in ten users are happily divulging private data to strangers on Facebook, according to a recent experiment by security firm Sophos.

Nothing particularly grabbing about that bit of news, as we're bombarded by horror stories on a daily basis surrounding identity fraud, cyber crime and phishing scams.

What is surprising is that of the 200 friend requests sent out by Freddi Staur (the made up Facebook user which, at the time of writing, WebTwitcher tried to befriend but couldn't find on Facebook at all) 82 users handed over personal details with 72% of those targeted divulging one or more email addresses and a horrifying 78% giving away their current address. 23% even revealed their home telephone number.

What's going on people? Just because it's Facebook it doesn't mean you're in a walled garden of "in the know" privileged users. It's not a private club, it's the web. Read more on WebUser.

 

Leave a reply »

 
Tags: Facebook   Safety  
Leave a comment

Comments (3)

  • amanda - 14-08-2007 14:28:09

    Thanks Graham - some good tips on secure Facebook usage there!

    Reply Reply
  • Graham Cluley - 14-08-2007 14:25:51

    I'm sorry you weren't able to find Freddi on Facebook. It seems the Facebook authorities decided to disable his account in the early hours of the morning (I wonder why?). Anyone who wants to see a picture of Freddi (a rather fine green frog) or learn more about how to better secure themselves on Facebook is welcome to read our best practice advice on http://www.sophos.com/facebook Regards Graham Cluley, Senior technology consultant, Sophos

    Reply Reply
  • Julian Evans - 14-08-2007 14:12:27

    Interesting stats from Sophos. We are leading the way here in the UK on providing awareness, education and solutions. Check us out. my blog http://julianevans.blogspot.com/ makes interesting reading regarding social community websites issues. Also been featured on the BBC World Service last month on the subject of MySpace removing 29,000 sex offenders from their site.

    Reply Reply
All comments of "Webtwitcher":