Social networking sites have brought a whole new dimension to communication. Prior to sites like Facebook and Twitter, online communication only took place between emails and instant messages. Social networking sites changed this by making it possible for people to share information within their communities rather than just one-on-one. With this positive change, however, came a negative consequence that requires heightened Internet security.
Viruses Go Social
The danger of using social networking sites is that you increase the risk of getting a virus, worm or other type of malware. Biologically, all viruses are social. They hop from creature to creature, spreading disease. Once computers became social, viruses could do the same thing by spreading through networking sites.
Protecting Your Computer from Viruses
Using reliable antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to protect your computer from viruses. Make sure that you update the software regularly so that it can spot the latest malware. Many experts suggest using two or more antivirus programs to ensure that nothing sneaks through your line of defenses. Alternating between two programs on consecutive days is a good way to make sure that your system stays clean.
Playing it Safe to Prevent Viruses
No matter how much antivirus protection you have on your computer, there is always the chance that a hacker will make a piece of malware that slips through your defenses. This commonly happens through clickjacking attacks. When using this technique, hackers create invisible frames that sit on top of your browser’s window. When you click elements that you see on the screen, you are actually giving permission for other scripts to run in the background.
The safest way to stay away from clickjacking attacks is to pay attention to which links you follow online. Some of the most common ploys involve celebrity gossip that spreads through social networking sites. Within a few hours, the clickjacked links can spread to millions. Avoid these links like the plague.