fochios+blog+post+analysis

To: Proximity Social Networking Team From: Athena Fochios Subject: ABC News article on viruses Date: January 4, 2010

We were asked to summarize a blog post to create the winter Proximity survey. Below I discuss an ABC news article that reports on security alerts issued by McAfee. Through analyzing this blog post generated by ABC News, I found where hackers are focusing their attention for virus downloads, and signs to be aware of when users of social networks are computing. I am suggesting questions to include in the winter survey to determine whether Towson University students are aware of such viruses


 * What the McAfee Report Predicts**

Many users of social networks keep their friends and family updated through daily updates. David Marcus, a director of security and research for McAffee labs, states that “Bad guys tend to go where the masses go.” McAfee also predicts that URL shorteners, Google’s new operating system, and Adobe, along with social networking sites, will be popular targets for cyber criminals in 2010.

Cyber criminals camoflage the virus to promote faulty appearances and lure users to download the virus. A few disguises to be on alert for are: · Web-links sent to message inboxes or e-mail which contain links appearing to be sent by friends or family (Also known as phishing links) · Applications for social networking site · Strangers that ask for a friend request.


 * Why the McAfee Predictions are Important**

Without the proper education, people could become afraid to use social networking sites which would result in a failed attempt in reaching specific demographics.

McAfee has made these predictions to keep their customers safe from cyber criminals. With these predictions made by McAfee, our clients will understand how to properly maneuver through social networking sites without ever having the concern of viruses. It is important not to fear away from popular social networking sites simply because there could be a threat of obtaining a virus. Our clients must know this information to become better educated with computing trends.


 * Questions to Ask Towson University Social-Network Users**

· Have you ever come across any links or applications on your Facebook, MySpace, or any other social networking site that were really viruses? · Do you accept friend requests from people that you do not know? · Do you download applications from social networking sites?

Proximity clients need to know the answers to these questions in order to understand the spread of viruses and the habits of Gen Y’s computing tendencies.

__Reference:__ Heussner, K.M. (2010, January 1). Watch out: cyber threats to expect in 2010. //ABC News//, Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/cyber-threats-expect-2010/story?id=9456824