A study released earlier this week called, “Bringing Social Security to the Online Community,” indicates that most social networkers are concerned about their security, but aren’t taking the steps needed to protect themselves from cybercrime and identity theft.

The study released by security software maker AVG Technologies and the Chief Marketing Council states that the fast-growing, widespread use of Social Networking Web sites is putting users in “serious danger” of cybercrime.  The survey polled a random sampling of more than 250 consumers during the second quarter of 2009.

The report states that while users were concerned about the overall security of such public spaces few users are taking even basic precautions to protect themselves against online crimes.   Unfortunately, the majority of Social Networking Users are afflicted by Web borne security problems, however fewer than one in three are taking actions to protect themselves online.

Here’s a few facts from the report:

• The majority of social networking users are afflicted by Web borne security problems
• Fewer than one in three social networking users are taking actions to protect themselves online. 
• 86 percent of respondants indicated widespread use of social networks
• Most survey participants failed to conduct basic security measures on a consistent basis
• 64 percent reported changing their passwords only infrequently or never
• 57 percent said they adjusted their privacy settings infrequently or never
• 90 percent said they rarely or never informed their social network administrator of potential problems
• 21 percent said they had accepted contact offerings from members they didn’t know
• Over 50 percent allowed acquaintances or roommates to access social networks on their machines
• 64 percent had clicked on links offered by community members or contacts
• 26 percent shared files within their social networks

The biggest statistics in the report:

• 20 percent have experienced identity theft
• 47 percent have been victims of malware infections
• 55 percent have seen phishing attacks

The report brings out an interesting problem.  How do you protect people who understand the risks and still are failing to take the basic steps to protect themselves? 

Even though the report indicated that most people seemed to understand the problems and indicated a concern over growing phishing, spam and malware attacks there doesn’t seem to be an effort to protect against these problems.  

Who is responsible for the computer user’s security?

This points out an interesting problem that the Internet, not just Social Networks, is experiencing today.  We live in a world where most computer users seem to expect someone else to protect them against cybercriminals and identity thieves.  

The results of this report indicates that most people aren’t interested in taking the proactive step of protecting themselves.  It is as if they expect the social network they are on to protect them.  

Social networks were never designed to protect each individual user.  The networks were designed to allow people to socialize within the program.  The more protections and restrictions the less people will be able to be… well… social. 

We live in a world where most people don’t want to be bothered with anything more than their fun time.  They don’t want to get into computer and social network security.  They want life to be far more simple.  They would prefer there were better protection offered from the Internet or social network they are on. 

That raises an interesting problem, doesn’t it? 

At least for now, social networks are not equipped with the ability to protect every member.  They can do some things, but most of the protection is up to the user.

Cybercriminals know this and take advantage of it.  Until the masses wake up and understand it is their responsibility to protect themselves against cybercrime on the Internet and in social networks the level of attacks will continue to grow.