Facebook blunder exposes private photos

A recent security lapse on Facebook which allowed access to private photo libraries highlights what can go wrong if companies use public social networking sites without security, experts warn.

Users' pictures, including those of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and socialite Paris Hilton, were exposed on the site, even though the photos were tagged as being visible only to the member and associated friends.

David Lavenda, vice president of marketing and product strategy at web security firm WorkLight, said: "Just imagine what would happen if a business-to-consumer document such as an employment contract were to leak in this way.

"The potential employee could see his or her personal details, including bank and National Insurance numbers, leaking out to third parties."

The incident highlights the importance of securing social networking sites when used in the enterprise to ensure that such lapses do not occur.

"Business access to web 2.0 sites like Facebook can produce compelling cost and working efficiencies, but businesses should be ready to implement appropriate security measures," said Lavenda.

See also:

Hijacked Facebook accounts used to spread torture pics

'Disturbing' photo attacks reported  25 Mar 2008

Facebook adds extra privacy controls

Online chat also in the pipeline  19 Mar 2008

Berners-Lee calls time on Google

Next-generation web apps could blow away search giant  14 Mar 2008

Facebook hires ex-Google VP Sheryl Sandberg

Sandberg joins as chief operating officer  10 Mar 2008

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