Hackers are planning to increase data security attacks via applications on social networking websites this Christmas, according to an expert.
Earlier this month, IT security firm Sophos traced the history of malware and viruses created over the Christmas period from 1987 until 2009. The blog post revealed that, although some were relatively harmless festive pranks, more cyberattacks over the holidays could have serious repercussions for computer users.
Rik Ferguson, senior security analyst at Trend Micro, stated that hackers conduct such attacks annually.
"Criminals absolutely do, every year without fail, conduct campaigns designed to take advantage of people's willingness to search for and click on links relating to Christmas activity, whether that's through phishing campaigns or sending social engineering emails masquerading as Christmas cards," he said.
Mr. Ferguson added that apps on social networking sites had "come of age as an attack platform" and were "being extensively abused" by cybercriminals.
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