Security research firm Sophos just released a new Security Threat Report with “grim irony:” more companies now allow their employees unfettered access to social networks, while spam and malware attacks rose dramatically over 2009. The Ars Technica article detailing the report, ”Firms worry about social networks, but don’t block access,” says that most companies express concern over these attacks, which means educating employees and applying “social security” methods are crucial. The growth in malware attacks was prompted in part by the ease with which users click links and download unknown files “with abandon,” and this is exactly the reason why companies need to have strong and secure social media usage policies in place. Facebook has taken some steps, partnering with McAfee to counter threats both on site and on users’ computers. At the end of the day, it comes down to the individual user, navigating through the precarious social universe with one finger ready to hit ESC.

Sam Hartman, Feb. 18, 2010

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