Social network users ''should be more aware''

Internet users should exercise caution when using social networking sites and be careful not to give out too many personal details.

That is the advice of Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, who said that, while consumers did not need to be "scared" by the collection of personal information on the internet, they should at least be "aware".

He commented: "People have to be aware of the information that they put on and how useful it can be to somebody looking to take over their identity."

Mr Neate went on to say that users of social networking sites should take measures to ensure the security of personal details, such as increasing the privacy settings on their profile.

He remarked: "I think the internet is a fantastic place for social networking but we just need to be aware of some of the issues that surround it."

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