The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has announced results of the first social networking study examining the link between specific online behaviors and the potential for becoming a victim of cyber-crime. Although social networking sites, such as MySpace and FaceBook, have been examined from the standpoint of physical security issues, including sexual predators, this survey examines users' online behavior and the possibility of other threats such as fraud, identity theft, computer spyware and viruses.

The survey found that although 57 percent of people who use social networking sites admit to worrying about becoming a victim of cyber-crime, they are still divulging information that may put them at risk. 83 percent of adults social networking are downloading unknown files from other people's profiles potentially opening up their PCs to attacks. 51 percent of parents aware of their children social networking do not restrict their children's profiles so only friends can view, leaving their child's profiles unrestricted to potential predators. Furthermore, 36 percent of these parents surveyed do not monitor their children on social networking sites at all.

"Although the general community thinks most social networking users are teens, the survey showed the popularity of these sites is extending beyond young early adopters to other segments of the population," said Ron Texeria, executive director of NCSA. "Those who frequent these sites should be aware the data they share may make them prey for online attacks. Giving out a social security number, paired with a birthday and name, could provide enough ammunition for criminals to hack into financial records and compromise users' personal information."

The survey also revealed users of social networking sites are not only giving out potentially harmful information, but they are also engaging in other risky behaviors, such as downloading unknown files and responding to unsolicited emails and instant messages, all of which may lead to identity theft, computer spyware, viruses and other risks. 83 percent of social networking participants have downloaded content from another user's profile. 31 percent of adults who use social networking sites have responded to phishy unsolicited email or instant messages.

Adults who use social networking sites may be putting themselves at risk, and may be placing their businesses and places of employment in harm's way. Of those who have access to a computer at work, 46 percent engage in social networking at the office, potentially making the workplace vulnerable to online security threats.

On an encouraging note, the survey revealed that adults are taking safety precautions with their children. Of the parents that know their children under 17 use social networking sites, 64 percent monitor their children's profiles and 49 percent have only allowed their children's profile to be seen by his/her friends. Many adults have discussed safety precautions with their children: 94 percent have discussed how to watch for predators, 72 percent have discussed how to watch out for malicious software and 64 percent have discussed how to watch out for fraudsters trying to steal money.

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