Sharp rise in attacks via social networks detected

2010-02-17

There has been a spike in attacks carried out through social networking sites such as Twitter, according to M86 Security.

In its latest Security Labs Report, the company suggested that the increased use of shortened URLs has led to a sharp rise in attacks via social networking services.

Such URLs have become a favourite tool among hackers as they make it simpler to hide malicious links, while also using social engineering to exploit end users' trust.

"Users are more likely to click on links shared with them by senders they believe are their friends," said Bradley Anstis, vice president of technical strategy at M86 Security.

He recommended that users should use "browser extensions that display shortened URLs in their full form".

In other threat news, Sophos warned of a scam claiming comedian Bill Cosby had died.

Cybercriminals reportedly created websites pretending to be a CNN news report about the purported death of Cosby.

Read more security news.