Younger Generation Most Vulnerable to Cyber Crime

According to PC Tools, a software company in Australia, younger Internet users, who are active digitally and surf on the Web primarily for socializing, are at the greatest risk of being fooled by cyber criminals.

The Security Company states that the latest study reveals that youngsters between the age 18 and 32 years use the Web most for social interaction, with 67% frequently going to social-networking websites like Facebook and 59% routinely utilizing IM (Instant Messaging). When the youngsters are not socializing online, 57% of those within 18-32 years surf on the Net to conduct banking transactions.

The security researchers state that since malware authors and spammers frequently use social-networking websites, possibilities of young users becoming infected with malicious software or being tricked into similar spam scams is greater.

In a statement, Vice-President of Product Strategy Michael Greene at PC Tools said generally the youngsters are believed to be technically skilled to fall to online tricks, but that does not necessarily prove that they are equally aware of Internet security. Greene added the two are very distinct, as reported by Standard on May 1, 2009.

Greene continued, the younger Internet users are in more danger as they increasingly download various types of online content. With the growing popularity of video/music websites, social-networking websites, shopping sites and IM services, these venues practically create great opportunities for cyber criminals to amass financial revenue. Greene was citing the latest Koobface worm that attacked Facebook visitors, while giving an instance.

Therefore, the security specialists state that as Internet crooks apply increasingly advanced techniques to dupe users into downloading malicious content online, even those Internet users who are most technically skilled and cautious too could become infected. Hence, it's vital that end-users take in the most recent security software based on behavioral safeguards.

Moreover, it is also essential that the younger generation is made aware of Internet crime along with its damaging consequences. Thus, experts said that while it was fine to be tech-savvy, one needed to be conversant with its disadvantages as well to remain secured while online.

» SPAMfighter News - 5/8/2009