Social media banned due to security risks

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August 20th, 2009 - Posted by Robert Siciliano

Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger

The Marines recently banned soldiers from using social media sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. This is for two reasons. First, because they fear that these sites' lack of security may allow malware to infiltrate government computers. And second, they're concerned about the potential for leaked military data. Military personnel are often prohibited from informing friends and family of their locations or missions, regardless of whether they're communicating with handwritten letters, email, or the telephone. These measures are necessary to prevent leaks that would impede the soldiers' missions and safety.

It's no surprise that they have now banned social media. I recently reported on Sir John Sawers, the incoming head of MI6, the British equivalent of the CIA. His wife posted sensitive personal information to her Facebook page, including the address of the couple's London apartment and the locations of their children and Sir John's parents. Military personnel should held to a higher standard. We are talking about national security here, and we can't risk leaks that could jeopardize lives.

Anyone who thinks this is absurd need only look at sporting events for confirmation of why this type of communication should be banned. Every time I watch a baseball or football game, when I see the coaches talking to players, or the pitcher talking to the catcher, they cover their mouths with a hand, glove or paperwork. Why? Because there are thousands of "lip readers" watching the event who are happy to report on what was just said in order to give the opposing team an advantage. You'd think after all these years covering their mouths, lip readers would just give up. But no, that's not the case at all. There's always someone watching, waiting, hoping for someone to screw up so they can give the other team an advantage.

Today, social media gives scammers an advantage. Somebody is always watching and waiting for an opportunity. Social media is built on trusting relationships. Scammers can exploit that trust to gather information that could be used in password attacks. If you ever forget your password and have to reset it, the answers to several of the security questions might already be available in your profile. And in many cases, the default privacy settings leave profiles open to anyone.

Security professionals were able to create a virus called ZombieSmiles, which gains control of the victim's browser and allows the hacker to access supposedly private data through the Facebook API, including friends, groups, wall postings and applications. Facebook applications allow a third party to access your data, which opens a Pandora's box of possibilities for hackers. So if you send me a Facebook application and I refuse, it isn't because I'm being rude, it's because I think that the potential risks simply outweigh the benefits. No offense. I just don't want my identity stolen.

If you let your kids use social media, you must monitor their activities. McAfee offers family protection software that allows you to take control of your children's Internet use. If you use social media, take advantage of the privacy settings and lock down your profile so that only approved contacts can view your information. Consider getting a credit freeze. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. This makes your Social Security number useless to a potential identity thief. And invest in identity theft protection. Not all forms of identity theft protection can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk.

Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses a Facebook hack on CNN.

Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com , an identity theft expert, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 companies and startups as an advisor on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. Siciliano's thoughts and advice on all these matters appear often in both the televised and print news media including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of security training as a member of the American Society of Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on High Alert; How to take control of your personal security and prevent fraud. He's also partnered with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness about the growing threat of identity theft and to provide tips on how you can protect yourself.