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Spam Friend Request Messages Swamp Social Networking Sites

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are very popular nowadays. However, there is an irritating side of these networking sites.

As per the latest study carried out by Harris Interactive for the security company Cloudmark, over the past one year [since September 2007], 83% of people got junk or unsolicited friend e-mails in their mailboxes. 40% people alleged that they had observed a rise in spam emails since March 2008. Moreover, a few of the friend requests were sexual in nature. For instance, several notified of having received invites to become members of adult sites.

The study further disclosed that two-thirds of the members had maintained that they would revoke their membership if they received further flood of spam e-mails. Howeve,r security analysts asserted that they don't have to take such extreme steps.

Security analysts divulged that over 100 Million people currently have Myspace memberships. In June 2008, nearly 132 Million users visited the Facebook Website, making them open to possible attacks by hackers. To top it all, spammers are also joining these social networking sites. The wide range of communication channels, easy accessibility of networks and the volume of users on these social network services are huge attractions for cyber criminals.

Furthermore, junk e-mails at social networking sites usually aim members using unwanted product message or tries to lead them to a phishing Website or some other Website distributing malicious software.

In his book "Me, MySpace and I", Larry Rosen states that the actual worry is about kids who like making friends and are more liable to accept all friend requests. He insists that parents should educate their kids accordingly, as reported by Kevetc on September 10, 2008.

Also, Rosen advises members to modify their accounts, utilizing privacy settings to restrict or even prevent friend requests or spam.

MySpace maintained that it employed a unique technology named Captcha to trap spam e-mails targeted over their Website. Moreover, Facebook asserts that they block spam and also checks for repetitive e-mails sent to several members. The two Websites urge their members to notify spam to assist their scrutinizing endeavors.

Related article: Spam Scam Bags a Scottish Connection

ยป SPAMfighter News - 9/17/2008

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