Facebooks Newest Move To Tighten Security

Facebook enlists the help of Microsoft and four other security vendors as it improves defenses against malware, phishing, and spam. One tactic: Block malicious URLs.

6 Social Sites Sitting On The Cutting Edge (click image for larger view and for slideshow)
Facebook on Wednesday said it is working with Microsoft, McAfee, Trend Micro, Sophos, and Symantec to help improve security for its users.
The social networking giant, which plans to go public next month, has become a target for spammers and scammers due to its size. A similar trend happened to Microsofts Windows in the 90s and
has started to happen
to Apples OS X. Any massively popular platform attracts attackers.
To protect its 845 million users, Facebook is integrating malicious URL data provided by its security partners into its URL blacklist system.
[ Is HTCs rumored Facebook phone folly? Read more at
Facebook Phone: 4 Reasons Why Its Crazy
. ]
So whenever you click a link on our site, you benefit not just from Facebooks existing protections, but the ongoing vigilance of the world’s leading corporations involved in computer security, the company explains on its
security blog
.
Keeping its users secure also happens to serve Facebooks best interests, as the sites reason for being involves sharing as a vehicle for advertising. Sharing becomes a lot less appealing when theres a risk of contagion.
Facebooks security partnership isnt just a one-way arrangement. In exchange for access to its partners valuable security data, Facebook is offering its partners greater visibility through the
Facebook AV Marketplace
. As its name suggests, AV Marketplace is an online store for downloadable security software from Microsoft, McAfee, Trend Micro, Sophos, and Symantec. And its not just for Windows users; AV Marketplace also offers security applications for Mac users.
Many Mac users remain skeptical about the need for malware protection, despite the recent Flashback trojan outbreak. Sophos statistics indicate that
one in 36 Macs
is infected with OS X malware. The companys data also shows that one in five Macs harbors Windows malware, which could pose a threat to connected Windows machines.
Sophos blogger Carole Theriault celebrates the Facebook partnership while also pointing out that users need to take an active interest in their security. In a
blog post
, she likened security software to automotive safety features like brakes and seatbelts, noting that if people fail to use them, theyre worthless.
To better safeguard your account, make sure you choose a strong unique password for your Facebook account, and dont tell it to
anyone
, she wrote. Look over your privacy settings regularly and carefully choose your configuration. Take care when downloading applications. Only befriend people you know. Report suspicious activity to Facebook.
Sophoss presence among the other security companies is noteworthy because the company has been more than a little bit critical of Facebook security in the past. In a blog post comment, Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, insisted that the beatings will continue.
We dont have any plans to stop reporting about Facebook security and privacy issues, he wrote.
Perhaps its too much to hope that Facebooks partnership with five security vendors might mean fewer noteworthy security incidents.
At a time when cybercrime has never been more prolific and sophisticated, budgets are being cut. In response, IT is taking a hard look using third-party services--outsourcing--to meet security challenges. Our
Making The Security Outsourcing Decision
report outlines the various security outsourcing options available. (Free registration required.)

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Facebooks Newest Move To Tighten Security