Could you imagine life without the internet? I certainly couldn't! In 2012, we are more connected to the world than ever before. We use the internet for almost all of our day-to-day needs from shopping to submitting taxes. But just how safe are we?

The recently released 2012 Norton Cybercrime Report revealed that there is an increase in "new" forms of cybercrime compared to 2011, such as those found on social networks or mobile devices, a sign that cybercriminals are starting to focus on such popular platforms.

According to the report, 1 in 5 online adults have been a victim of either social or mobile cybercrime. 39% of social network users have been victims of social cybercrime, specifically:

15% of social network users reported their account being hacked into

1 in 10 users said they'd fallen victim to a scam or fake link

44% of users use a security solution protecting them from social network threats and only 49% use the privacy settings to control what information they share, and with whom.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Even though we're halfway through, I thought I'd share some tips to online safety.

1. Password safety Create a complex and unique password for your social network. Don't share it with anyone. If you've already shared it with someone, login and change it.
   
2. Private mattersLook at your social network account's privacy settings. Start out by selecting the greatest control, and limit access to your profile, photos, videos, and postings to Friends only. Reconsider using location-based services if not necessary.
   
3. Choose applications carefully. Each application (games, surveys, quizzes and contests) is made differently but all get some level of access to your private information. Read the agreement before clicking "Accept".
   
4. Beware of unknown linksThere has been a big increase in dangerous phishing efforts through social networks using malicious techniques like click-jacking. Often they spread by infecting one account and post links to dangerous websites with tempting phrases like "This is the funniest video EVER!"
   
5. Select your friends carefully. On a social network, your friends' list is your most valuable asset. According to the report, 35% of online adults accept Requests from strangers. This is a bad idea. Remove anyone you don't know to avoid danger from their online activities.
   
6. Post for permanency. What you post to your social network may stick around for a while, even if you change your mind and remove it later. Photos and videos can be saved, comments can be forwarded. If you are at all concerned about what might turn up in a web search sometime in the future by a potential employer, post those items unlikely to cause someone to judge you negatively.
   
7. Be kind online. Let your online activities be an example to others and try to avoid using the sort of negative comments, hurtful language or embarrassing posts that can be painful to the target. Avoid anything that might be considered cyber bullying.
   Source: community.norton.com

In news this week: MTN tackles identity theft; an online journo in Malawi is arrested; the 2012 AfricaCom Awards announces shortlist; Alex Rukundo, managing director at MetropolitanRepublic Uganda speaks to us on being the first local agency to win an award at this year's Loerie Awards.

Hope you have a great week!

Evan-Lee Courie @evan1985

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