You would be hard-pressed not to notice all of the references in the news these days to the growing use of social networking sites. At the same time, thanks to the ever-changing tactics of opportunistic cyber criminals, we’re equally bombarded with news of all the real and potential threats abounding on these sites.  

As a consumer, it’s truly becoming more and more difficult to navigate the Web safely, networking sites included.

Yet, it seems to me that today’s businesses may be in an even worse predicament than everyday computer users; businesses are facing somewhat of a double-edged sword when it comes to networking. On one hand, they’re urged to embrace Web 2.0 technologies in order to recruit new employees, touch base with audiences, and spread messages to a wider market. On the other, the dangers that these technologies can potentially bring with them are  raising new fears practically on a daily basis.

So, where does that leave us in terms of a solution? I would say that the most important piece of advice for online security is to never behave differently on the cyber streets than you would on the streets outside your door.  In the real world, you protect your cash and credit cards in a wallet inside a zipped pocket; your mobile is safe inside your pocket or bag until you need to use it; you are not divulging your pin codes, home address or any other such details to every stranger you pass by. That same protection for your identity and valuables has to be matched online, no matter what site you’re on. That can be done by understanding and installing reliable Internet security products, and being aware of who and when you divulge information to.

For businesses, the stakes are higher, so likewise more advanced levels of protection are required to secure sensitive corporate and private information.

Rest assured, at Lavasoft, we’re keeping a pulse on this issue and how we can better protect both our home and business users through innovative solutions.

Jason King
CEO, Lavasoft