VietNamNet Bridge – Almost 30 per cent of social network users share their posts, check-ins and other personal information with everybody who is online, not just their friends, which leaves the door wide open for cybercriminals to attack since users are unaware of just how public their private information can be on these channels, Kaspersky Lab has warned.

Though over 78 per cent of internet users have a social media account, the study found a distinct lack of awareness amongst them.

One in nine respondents did not think people not on their friends list could see their pages or posts.

The research found that users are putting themselves in danger by adding friends, with a surprising 12 per cent admitting they add anyone to their list regardless of whether they know them or not.

Thirty-one per cent will also accept connections from people they do not know if they have friends in common, again exposing them to unknown people – even cybercriminals.

The study found that a quarter of those surveyed would have no hesitation to click on a link sent by a friend without asking what it is or considering the possibility that the sender's account has been hacked.

To ensure social network sharing does not cause danger, Kaspersky Lab advises internet users to be cautious about whom they befriend and trust.

It is also essential that privacy settings are at their highest to ensure status updates are only shared with real friends, the company said.

VNS