Facebook seemed to have a great start to the new year, with a number of happy announcements and stats. But how long could have the social networking giant stayed away from issues, especially those related to privacy. Privacy issues and Facebook, nowadays go hand in hand. According to ZoneAlarm, more than 20 percent of Facebook News Feed links lead to viruses. That percentage might not be accurate, but it will definitely raise a few eye brows, mat it be from the users or the critics.
However, for the near future, they will have to bear with the news post, bashing the social networking giant for this. Especially, as Facebook is coming up with their IPO, which can be presumed to be the biggest IPO launch ever.
ZoneAlarm, a Check Point Software Technologies, Inc. Company, has released an infographic regarding Facebook security. One can ignore the first part of the statistics, which has a few details, that is knows to all. The straightforward details include 800 million monthly active users, some countries have embraced Facebook more than others, 4 million users are hit by spam daily, and so on.
Remaining part of the stats might have a few details, which is not known to all, but from the researcher’s end, there nothing from their side, apart from noting this:“more than 20 percent of newsfeed links currently open viruses.”
Not everyone would agree with this count, which is really hard to believe. But ZoneAlarm’s study has only looked at Facebook accounts belonging to users whose computers were already infected with malware.
The spreading of these malware is even linked, as one clicks and their friends come to know, who may even click on it. The virus thus spreads on the social network.
To be safe, ZoneAlarm has a few recommendations for the users. These recommendations are placed at the bottom part of the infographic. In fact, that is the most important part of the infographic. These can be used by users to protect themselves:
- Create a strong password.
- Don’t accept unknown friend requests.
- Monitor what your friends are sending and sharing with you.
- Turn on https:// browsing in your Facebook settings.
- Don’t click on suspicious links.
- Download Facebook security software.
Additionally, the company noted a few measures, which was more of the slogan, reading, “Advanced Facebook Security.” It costs $20 per year. Here is what a user gets with it:
- Prevent hacked account disasters: SocialGuard constantly scans your Facebook account and notifies you instantly by e-mail and text alerts when it detects signs of hacking.
- Know if strangers are lurking: Are strangers hiding in your social network? Let SocialGuard identify these folks and alert you before you get into trouble.
- Avoid dangerous links: 20% of newsfeed links open viruses or imposter sites that steal your info. SocialGuard warns you of dangerous links in your newsfeed, on your wall, and in your private Facebook messages.
- Get real-time alerts: Address dangers immediately. Get notified through e-mail and texts when problems are detected – even when you are away from Facebook.
- Detect cyberbullies and predators: SocialGuard scans for alarming words in private messages, status updates, and wall postings and also flags “friends” who may be much older than they claim to be.