Online as soon as it happens

Abstract

Experiencing online social networking sites (SNSs) has become one of the most popular activities carried out on the Internet. The modern way of staying in touch with business and personal contacts is to be present on social networking sites and to communicate using e-mail and other digital tools. The social networking phenomenon has registered an exceptional growth trend and there has been a widening in terms of users’ profiles involved in such activity (1), affecting and changing consequently the way people get in contact, meet, communicate and share opinion, information and ideas. This phenomenon is rapidly evolving not only in relation to the audience, changing its demographics, but also in relation to the way the audience itself can experience social networks. Besides traditional computer-based access, users are now able to access social networks through their mobile phones. Mobile social network (MSN or social mobile) is a means of communication using a combination of voice and data devices over networks including cellular technology and private and public IP infrastructure (2). Subscribers access social networks on their mobile phone by browsing over the mobile internet, through downloaded applications and by text –messaging (3). In this paper we will refer and take into particular consideration the ‘on deck’ services (4), coming pre-packaged with the purchase of a mobile phone. Nevertheless the overall data and figures provided in this document include all modes of access to social networking. Nowadays many mobile users use their phone as a backup device for business and personal data, contacts and pictures also keeping a record of their personal details and access codes. As a consequence, a lost or stolen mobile phone can cause serious damage considering that all information and data, about the user and his contacts, entrusted on SNSs and linked to the mobile phone could be used in an illegitimate way. Case studies from different European countries show that a considerable number of users are unaware of their exposure to security risks and privacy issues. While many of the privacy issues originating from the web-based access to SNSs also apply to MSNs, there are also a number of unique risks and threats against MSNs. ENISA believes that users’ awareness is the first line of defence regarding their privacy and security of their data. This white paper aims to provide a set of recommendations for raising the awareness of SNSs users and in particular of social mobile users of the risks and the possible consequences related to their improper use. This document does not cover the access of SNSs through mobile phone by minors (5) and consequently any matters related to this aspect. Finally, it should not be seen as either a comprehensive source of all risks associated to the usage of social networks or as a technical guideline or specification to secure standards or solutions. (1) This shift has primarily been driven by Facebook, which started as a service for university students; now almost one third of its global audience is aged 35–49 years and almost one quarter is over 50 years old. Source: The Nielsen Company, Global faces and networked places, March 2009, available at