Due in part to the expansion of Social Networking sites, internet security is threatened more than ever before.  According to the latest Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, malicious code grew by 256% in 2008.

With malicious activity becoming web based; more attackers are targeting end-users rather than computers. The report found that the primary source of new infections in 2008 were related to web surfing. 78% of confidential information threats exported user data and 76% used a keystroke-logging component to steal information such as online banking credentials and credit card information. With malicious activity expected to continue this year, enterprises and end-users need to be aware of the risks they take when online. To view the report summary click here.

In a recent article published by Bill Brenner, Senior Editor of CSO Online, he discusses the 7 deadly sins of Social Networking Security. Social Networking sites attract huge numbers of people which makes them an extremely attractive target for hackers. Combine that with the naiveté of many users and it’s open season on personal information. This article lists the top seven ways people endanger their information as:

• Sharing too much information relating to your company’s secrets.
• Mixing personal and professional friendships.
• Immature rants over situations.
• Being friends with or connected to people you don’t know.
• Using the same passwords for multiple sites, especially ones that are easy to remember (and guess).
• Clicking on everything.
• Reckless social networking.

 To read the article in its entirety, click here.

In a speech earlier this summer, Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement John Morton discussed the new two pronged focus of enforcement relating to illegal workers. He said that they plan to continue to crack down on companies that disregard the laws, while at the same time extending a hand of friendship to those who follow the rules by instituting a “trusted employer registration program”. This would give companies with strong records of compliance easier and quicker access to visas for foreign professionals.

He also addressed concerns relating to E-Verify, an electronic employment verification system that checks new-hire information against the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Databases. About 128,000 employers have voluntarily signed up to use the program but there are many critics of the system which has a 3 percent rejection rate – signaling that there may be some inaccuracies to be worked out. He gave assurances that they are aware of the problems and are working hard to address them, but said that even with its imperfections it is a good working model. They system is supposed to become mandatory for all employers but the start date has been delayed three times and is currently scheduled for September 8^th, 2009.

For more information, click here.