New Survey by Norton Reveals 44 Percent of People Have Been Victimized by Cybercrime on a Social Network

WHAT:

To help consumers fight back and protect their online identities, Norton from Symantec has launched the Norton Safe Web for Facebook application, a free tool that uses site rating technology to scan computer users' Facebook news feeds for malicious web links.

WHY:

As social networks continue to grow, cybercriminals are finding them lucrative places to find victims.  A new survey by Norton* revealed that 44% of people have been a victim of a cybercrime perpetrated via a social network –viruses, online credit fraud, unsolicited pornography, receiving excessive spam and 'phishing' e-mails (bogus messages sent by fraudsters posing as banks and other retail companies).  Additionally, the survey unveiled:

• 72% of people have been victim of a cybercrime, ranging from viruses, online credit fraud, unsolicited pornography, phishing, to receiving excessive spam

• 76% of people worry about identity theft

• Compared with women, men take more risks online and are more often victims of cybercrime

As cybercriminals focus on social networks, consumers need to follow best practices and use available tools to protect themselves from online dangers.  In addition to using Norton Safe Web for Facebook, computer users can look up a site's safety rating at the free Norton Safe Web community site, or download Norton Safe Web Lite, a new free toolbar that automatically flags fraudulent or harmful sites as users surf the Web.

WHO:

Marian Merritt, Norton's Internet Safety Advocate, will be on hand to walk through the features of the new Norton Safe Web for Facebook application and talk about emerging security threats that computer users should look out for.  Marian will also provide smart, simple tips that consumers can use to stay safe on social networks.

WHEN:

Interviews available upon request

CONTACT:

Karina Carretero

323-202-1899

[email protected]