Facebook Security Failure, or is it Users?
Nov 6th, 2011 by kevmason
Facebook has had its fair share of security bugs in the past. So much so that it has been dramatically trying to fix bug after bug. After the launch of another “foolproof” system, researchers at the University of British Columbia decided to put it to the test. And what do you know, the were able to use a “bot” (fake, computerized profile) to access hundreds of random people’s information. Phone numbers, emails, addresses, and other personal information is all at their fingertips. Oops.
But is it all Facebook’s fault? First off, in order for the “bot” to become friends with these people, the users had to accept it as a friend. And who would just randomly add someone on Facebook that you don’t know? As well, the users would have chosen to display all of their personal information on Facebook. Didn’t our parents always say “what goes up on the internet, stays on the internet; so be careful!” ? It seems to me that there is a lack of awareness of internet “precautions”, so to say. Anything on the internet is accessable, including personal information. Though Facebook may need to continue developing a stronger security system, internet users also need to be aware that there is a risk to displaying personal information.
Afterall, how many times have you stubbled upon a website that said “Congratulations! You’re the millionth visitor! Click here for $1,000,000 now!” Did you click on it? Most likely not. But did you click accept when John Doe added you? Absolutely. Woops.
