SASIG, The Security Awareness Special Interest Group, calls on cybersecurity professionals to strengthen procedures surrounding the use of social media. The warning about the growing threat from social media to the integrity of data and network security came during this week’s ‘Cybersecurity implications of social media’ conference that was organised by SASIG and The University of Surrey.
The audience of cybersecurity specialists explored the implications of the far-reaching change brought about by social media and how humans interact on different platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, WeChat and others, highlighting the consequences of casual internet surfing and posting.
Martin Smith MBE, founder and chairman of SASIG, told more than 200 delegates that social media networks have become one of the biggest gateways for cybercriminals targeting individuals and businesses to gain access to sensitive information and data networks. He said: “Social media activity has boomed during the last decade, and it is now an integral part of communications for commercial and personal users. It creates many challenges for both business and personal use and can expose users to unintended risks.
“Social media and internet users often give up a considerable amount of personal data. However, if it falls into cybercriminals' hands, they can easily build a profile that gives them the capability to access sensitive personal and financial information.
“The new Online Safety Bill could also prove a vital tool in the challenge to tackle the criminal gangs who target unsuspecting individuals and businesses. We strongly recommend that all organisations should take steps to strengthen cybersecurity systems against attacks via social channels. Using a combination of education about threats and introducing stringent protocols can protect against misuse.”
Career opportunities, skills and resources that protect commerce, industry and public services from cyberattacks will feature at the 3rd Cybersecurity Skills Festival being organised by SASIG, the Security Awareness Special Interest Group, in partnership with the UK Cyber Security Council, on Tuesday 22 February 2022.
==END==
About the Security Awareness Special Interest Group (SASIG)
Established in 2004, SASIG,the Security Awareness Special Interest Group, is a peer networking forum for cybersecurity professionals, representing hundreds of organisations of all sizes and from both public and private sectors, throughout the UK. SASIG has more than 6,000 members drawn exclusively from CISOs and other decision-makers and influencers with responsibility for information security, together with academics and government agencies. www.thesasig.com
For more information about SASIG and the SASIG Cybersecurity Skills Festival please contact:
Natasha Marsh
The SASIG Press Office at Campbell Marsh
E: natasha@campbellmarsh.com
T: 01926 420660