Cyber security experts have advised users not to share private information on social media networks.(Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Cyber security experts have advised users not to share privateinformation on social media networks in light of a recent incident in whichsome 50 million Facebook users’ information was collected without theirconsent.
The internet giant maintains that technically no hacking or security breachtook place as the information was collected by a third party app disguised as apersonality quiz. While users taking the quiz were asked to provide theirinformation, the app went on to collect details about their Facebook friendswithout their knowledge.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Vo Do Thang, Director of the Athena cybermanagement and security centre, said while there may not have been a breach,social media users must remain vigilant in protecting their data.
Thang noted security loopholes such as the one that allowed Facebook users’information to be stolen are not uncommon among social media platforms.
Cyber security experts from CMC Infosec, an internet security firm, said usersmust pay attention to apps that require access to their information and onlyallow those from trusted sources.
Passwords should be changed every 3-6 months with the use of multi-factor authenticationwhen possible. Important information such as bank account details and creditcard numbers should never be shared on social media, including messenger apps.If shared before they should be deleted as soon as possible.
Facebook is currently Vietnam’s most popular social media platform. There areover 50 million Vietnamese accounts, according to a report released by theMinistry of Information and Communications in a meeting with Facebookrepresentatives in January.
While it has drastically transformed e-commerce in the country, there have beennumerous instances of fake accounts impersonating public figures, or accountscreated solely for the purpose of spreading fake news, messages of hatred andviolence.-VNA
VNA
