Operation n

Something I picked up in a newspaper and seen on the BBC website.

“Millions of Facebook users at risk of fraud
One in four users of social networking sites leave themselves open to crime by revealing personal details. About 2.7 million members of sites such as Facebook an Myspace expose contact details or dates of birth on their profiles - often all the information identity fraudsters need. And among 18 to 24 year olds, the proportion putting themselves at risk rises more than one in three, a survey shows. Legitimate users of the sites are also taking advantage of the details - as many as two in five use them to look up old flames.
The poll, released today to mark the start of ‘Get Safe Online’ week, is intended to highlight the dangers of online identity fraud.
It also shows that 13 per cent of Britain’s 10.7 million social networkers posted information or photos of other people without their consent. But, proving it is not only fraudsters who exploit the information, 39 per cent of 25 to 34 year olds admitted searching for an ‘ex’ on the sites. And nearly a third of users have looked up their boss, colleagues or a job candidate.
Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline.org, said: ‘Although some of these details may seem harmless, they provide rich pickings for criminals.’ People need only take a few simple precautions to protect themselves, he added.” Getsafeonline.org is a joint initiative between the Government, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and private sector sponsors, HSBC, Microsoft, eBay, Symantec and Cable & Wireless to help individuals and smaller businesses be aware of how to protect themselves against internet security risks.”

Additionally, my mantra with social networking sites is to reveal as little information possible. And the following article demonstrate what can happen as a result..

“Troops told of Myspace terror plot
Soldiers are being warned against revealing their military connections on networking websites fr fear they may be targeted by al-Qaeda. Army units were told in a restricted memo to be ‘particularly careful on Facebook, Myspace or friends reunited’. It is thought to be the first time MI5 has warned troops about the danger of posting personal details on the Internet.
The threat they face came to light earlier this year when an alleged plot to kidnap a British Muslim soldier and behead him live on the Internet was uncovered. The latest memo states that al-Qaeda cells are increasingly using the Internet to find potential targets. The Royal Marines group on Facebook has 1023 members, with many profiles revealing soldiers’ details and information on their families and whereabouts.”