Cybercriminals are buyingFacebookprofiles for just 89p as
online crime peaks around the Christmas period, according to
research.
Internet security company
Trend Micro said
cyber attacks rose in the shopping period between September and
December 2007, and a similar trend is likely in 2008.
The company said
criminals are more likely to strike around Christmas when
online shopping activity is higher than normal.
They make a profit from selling details such as e-mail
addresses, names and dates of birth, all of which are often easily
available on Facebook profiles.
According to the research,
bank details sell for £35, and
credit card details for £25.
To avoid information being stolen, the company advises users to
look for a padlock symbol in the bottom right hand corner of the
site. It also advises them to use social networking privacy
settings, protection software and to vary passwords.