From Facebook to Twitter, the number of social network users has exponentially multiplied over the past year.  Now, with over 1.4 billion users, integrated social networking tools have become a key mode of communication for people’s personal lives and business ventures. Facebook alone has over 1 billion monthly active members, making Facebook Malware a big target for cyber criminals. Not only has the number of networkers increased, but it’s estimated that the average person spends 16% of their time on social sites, often accessing these websites from numerous different devices, both work provided and personal.  With quick and almost incessant sharing across networks between friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and family, we’re passively absorbing information at rates like never before.  Oftentimes, users fail to check the source of a link or message, and cyber criminals are counting on it.

As usage across social networking platforms increases, there is a corresponding rise in the types of malware targeting these mediums.   Recent reports from several security research labs show a 20-40% (significant) jump in social network targeted malware.  In fact, malicious attacks through social networks and other mediums are now the number one cause of data breaches, surpassing lost and stolen laptops and accidental sharing. With such a large amount of personal information available on these sites, cyber criminals can do much more than spam your friends and followers. Here are a few simple tips that can help protect you from social malware.

1. Change Your Passwords.
   Hackers benefit from weak passwords.  Often times, people use variations of their names, birthdays, family members or pets; and they use these repeatedly.  Cyber criminals are aware that many people still use the same username and password combination for all of their online activities, including banking, shopping, and email.  Try to create a case-sensitive password that’s less relevant to your friends, family, or job.  Make use of symbols and numbers to strengthen your passwords.  And most importantly, make sure that the passwords differ across your accounts.
2. Pay Close Attention to Irregular Posts.
   Always be on the lookout for posts or links that seem out of character for members of your network.  If another user in your network shares a video or article that looks a little spammy, chances are that it’s spam.  Sometimes these links may be “chain reaction malware,” in which a hacked account sends out a malicious link prompting unsuspecting followers to share a link on Facebook or Twitter, sending the malware out to even larger groups.  Learning to distinguish between good and bad posts can help protect your information, as well as those in your network.
3. Avoid Offers for “Free” Anything.
   Although that free iPad sounds really tempting, it probably isn’t a legitimate offer.  These links often have vague direct instructions that lead you to a page where you are prompted to complete a survey, commonly asking for personal information.  Never provide personal information to an unfamiliar source or application.  Just remember that offers that seem too good to be true usually are.
4. Check the Full URL of Shortened Links.
   This is one of the trickier tips.  With the frequency that social users skip between sites and applications, it’s rare to examine each link before clicking through.  However, the link URL is something extremely important to be cognizant of.  If the full URL of a Facebook app or shortened Twitter URL is from another site, think twice about following or visit longurl.org to expand out the link to determine if the shortened version is legitimate. Also be hesitant if the application requests your username and password.  This is an incredibly easy way for cyber criminals to gain access to your account.
5. Choose a layered antivirus program.
   Installing solid antivirus software is a must.  Being weary of links and spam is one thing, but it’s necessary to run a program that protects your computer.  Choose an antivirus program that has up to date scanning technology, provides active monitoring, and filters the web for malicious links.  A good program can protect your computer and accounts from malware you can’t see.  It’s a great way to safeguard your personal information, without sacrificing your social accounts.