2008 Woodie Awards
Identity theft on networking sites
Amanda Wowk
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Features
Social networking sites have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among high school and college students. These sites allow users to create profiles where one can post photos, connect with friends and family, and discuss their personal interests. Users can even list their birthdays and the areas in which they live. While these sites have become ways for people across the globe to express their personalities, many find broadcasting personal information on the Internet to be troublesome.
"In the end, there is no security on these sites, because something, somewhere, is stored forever. And these 'tweens' don't know - they just put everything on the Internet. They need to learn. I hope it isn't the hard way," said Kalyna Durbak, a third-year history major.
"The Illinois Attorney General's office released the top 10 consumer complaints of last year, and the top one was identity theft," said communications Professor Steve Jones. "Sites like MySpace and Facebook can be used to steal your identity if you use accurate information about yourself. It's become commonplace for people who have been committing identity theft to look at MySpace and Facebook to get information."
Many feel that social networking sites can't be trusted to ensure privacy, no matter how many restrictions might be put on any person's information.
"It works both ways," said a source who wished to remain anonymous. "You could have creepy old men seducing young girls. I've been contacted before by strangers."
The security of social networking sites is questionable. Facebook allows the creation of third-party "applications" (enhancements to a user's profile), which are being made outside of the network's system.
"Security means a lot of different things," said Jones. "It can mean how safely a site is keeping your information. Another type has to do with the kind of information you put on there. The basic rule of thumb is the more info you put on, the less security you have. Anything you put on the Web, you probably ought to consider to be no longer private. Even if you set your profile to be private, people can still pass on information they see."
While sites like Myspace and Facebook have taken important steps to curtail predation of minors and identity theft, it still remains to be seen if these efforts will be enough to keep people secure on the Internet and still able to enjoy the services social networking communities provide.
"In the end, there is no security on these sites, because something, somewhere, is stored forever. And these 'tweens' don't know - they just put everything on the Internet. They need to learn. I hope it isn't the hard way," said Kalyna Durbak, a third-year history major.
"The Illinois Attorney General's office released the top 10 consumer complaints of last year, and the top one was identity theft," said communications Professor Steve Jones. "Sites like MySpace and Facebook can be used to steal your identity if you use accurate information about yourself. It's become commonplace for people who have been committing identity theft to look at MySpace and Facebook to get information."
Many feel that social networking sites can't be trusted to ensure privacy, no matter how many restrictions might be put on any person's information.
"It works both ways," said a source who wished to remain anonymous. "You could have creepy old men seducing young girls. I've been contacted before by strangers."
The security of social networking sites is questionable. Facebook allows the creation of third-party "applications" (enhancements to a user's profile), which are being made outside of the network's system.
"Security means a lot of different things," said Jones. "It can mean how safely a site is keeping your information. Another type has to do with the kind of information you put on there. The basic rule of thumb is the more info you put on, the less security you have. Anything you put on the Web, you probably ought to consider to be no longer private. Even if you set your profile to be private, people can still pass on information they see."
While sites like Myspace and Facebook have taken important steps to curtail predation of minors and identity theft, it still remains to be seen if these efforts will be enough to keep people secure on the Internet and still able to enjoy the services social networking communities provide.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Pam
posted 3/31/08 @ 11:37 AM CST
Also, reverse lookup on your phone number posted online gives away your house street address.
To prevent ID theft I recommend NEVER posting phone number online, instead use anonymous calling. (Continued…)
Nesher
posted 4/02/08 @ 8:52 PM CST
Thank you for your infoirmative article. The information was used for the following blog post preparation:
http://webfreebies4u.blogspot.com/2008/04/fight-identity-theft-better-prevent. (Continued…)
Jim Day
posted 4/14/08 @ 4:54 PM CST
Make Money Fast by Transforming 6 Dollars into Thousands of Dollars
Here's a legal way to supplement your income by earning thousands of dollars using the standard mail delivery service. (Continued…)
Post a Comment