Social Networking Poll Shows Users More Vulnerable Than Ever

Adjusting privacy settings (57 percent infrequently or never)

Informing their social network administrator (90 percent infrequently or never)

"As social networking populations grow globally and the proliferation of niche social networks and mobile offerings extends the reach of social communities, the threats and vulnerabilities are escalating accordingly," said Donovan Neale-May, executive director of the CMO Council. "More frequent breaches and outbreaks on popular social sites are a testament to the need for a more preventative mindset and threat-alert culture among community users."

Despite the apparent security risks and dangers of engaging in social networking sites, respondents identified several common practices that could cause harm to unprotected users:

21 percent accept contact offerings from members they don't recognize

More than half let acquaintances or roommates access social networks on their machines

64 percent click on links offered by community members or contacts

26 percent share files within social networks

As a result of this widespread proliferation of links, files, and unsolicited contacts, users have experienced high levels of breaches and threats:

Nearly 20 percent have experienced identity theft

47 percent have been victims of malware infections

55 percent have seen phishing attacks

"The fact that users understand the risks, and yet are failing to take the basic steps to protect themselves presents an interesting challenge to companies, like AVG, that are working to create a safer cyber community," said Siobhan MacDermott, Head of Head of Public Policy, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, AVG Technologies.

According to MacDermott, AVG hopes to reverse this trend on familiar turfs such as Facebook and Twitter. "Our DataSnatchers campaign is a viral effort that will not only get consumers thinking about their personal security but will also provide them with simple tools to do something about it when they are in the spaces that make them feel the most vulnerable."

MacDermott said that the Data Snatchers campaign is about combining sound technology with safe practices while enjoying the social computing experience. In addition to encouraging users to take advantage of AVG's free security offering at http://avgfree.com MacDermott encourages users to follow Six Simple Steps to Stay Secure: