The rise in the popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter has naturally encouraged computer virus criminals to look for opportunities allowing them to exploit this phenomenon.

With almost 60 per cent of the adult population in the UK now involved in social media in one way or another, the industry has become a target for viruses. Not to mention the fact that around 90 per cent of 13 to 18 years old regularly use social networking websites such as Facebook – an age group particularly vulnerable to the threats viruses present.

Although most social networking sites are now taking measures to prevent viruses infecting their features, this is often an impossible task. Many viruses are contained on sites that are simply linked to Facebook and other social media sites. These links can be reported and subsequently removed, but the immediate threat is unavoidable. Unless social networking websites remove the ability to link external sites up – which is highly unlikely – the social media user must practice vigilance when socialising and sharing material online.

Avoiding links to infected websites

It can be difficult to avoid links to infected websites, but in most cases close inspection of a link will reveal whether it is valid or not. If a link suddenly takes you to an external website, you should close the page immediately if that wasn’t what you were expecting.

Don’t click any links that seem to be dodgy – and if possible, block the user or application sharing them. The majority of virus inflicting website links do appear to the conscious user to be untrustworthy. It’s just a case of avoiding the urge to click them; most are attached to an interesting story or some aspect that aims to persuade you to click onto the website.

Of course, the best advice you could take heed of here is that of installing an anti-virus programme onto your computer system. This will take care of any threats and eliminate them if you do accidently click onto an unreliable third party website. Malware protection software can be found on the Internet and in store for a reasonable price, and most require you to renew your package each year for ongoing infection prevention.

Staying safe on social networking websites

There is a golden rule to follow when it comes to social networking, in order to avoid viruses and other threats online: only connect and share with those you know personally. These are people you have meet in real life, or have had personal contact with. Although, of course, such individuals are still prone to sharing dangerous links, your exposure to malware threats will be far more limited. Adding unknown people to your Facebook and MySpace account is not a recommendable course of action.

Social media provides a range of incredible opportunities, and has revolutionised communication in many ways. Connectivity opportunities have broadened and data sharing for informational and entertainment purposes has become more widely available. Don’t let the threat of the computer virus spoil your fun online.

Guest Article by Connor Sephton