Overall, this class was a valuable learning experience because I was able to discover new methods of CMC that are prevalent in our lives. Also, I was able to learn about the effectiveness of social networking and how it can work to our advantage. Lastly, I was able to grasp the concepts of a virtual community and how it can differ from an online group.
Throughout the class it was interesting to realize how much we rely on CMC in our everyday lives and how cell phones in particular have become our main method of communication. This was especially evident in our week long technology fast in which we were not allowed to communicate using computer mediated means. Although it was difficult, it was a great way to understand the importance of face to face communication and reduce our reliance of CMC. However it is important to remember, the majority of communication is now done online and through the means of cell phone rather than face to face.
Most people know Facebook as a social networking site but we experienced other sites including LinkdIn. I felt it was important for college students especially seniors to utilize networks such as this. One of the best ways to get a job is through association with someone you know and its pivotal to apply the advantages of technology and networking. In reference to Facebook, we also conducted a survey that allowed us to analyze if Westminster College had an addiction to this site. Although we did not find statistical evidence that Westminster had an addiction it was an interesting topic to research.
Lastly, following an online group helped to truly understand the important aspects that communities rely on. It was a great for us to apply our readings and online class into our findings within our group.
In conclusion, I was able to learn a vast amount of information that may be useful in my endeavors as a businessman. I am certain I will be exposed to numerous amounts of CMC as well as social networking after I graduate and I am eager to incorporate everything I have learned.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Koobface Virus
In one of our most recent class assignments every student was assigned a particular social network to explore. It was very interesting to learn about the dozens of social networks we may not be familiar with. After discussing these networks, I thought it would be interesting to check several news affiliated websites to find if there were recent articles concerning social networks. I was able to find this very interesting article concerning one of the most popular social networking sites, Facebook. The article discussed the most current virus related issues Facebook has been exposed to.
Nearly 120 million Facebook users have been targeted by the Koobface virus that uses the messaging system of social networks to infect PCs and gather sensitive information. The virus was developed by hackers to impact the largest number of internet users and what better to achieve that than using social networks. We have learned that social networks are rising in popularity and are some of the most common websites visited. Also, Facebook users receive multiple messages per day and many, including myself, do not take the time to read the sender of every message. It is imperative for college students, the most common users of Facebook, to be cautious of any messages they receive.
The messages are generally encoded with an alluring subject line and ask the user if they would like to update their flash player. Once the individual’s PCs becomes infected they are then taken to contaminated sites when they attempt to use Google, Yahoo and MSN. Facebook has attempted to protect their integrity by requiring that only users with accounts can post messages and they have posted a link to instruct users on how to clean their infected computer. However, this is not the first attack against social networks by hackers. Myspace was infected in August with the same virus but it was later eradicated. McAfee, a leader in security management has not yet identified the perpetrators, but they are looking into the problem. Some users have complained that their computers have actually been destroyed by this virus.
I think cases similar to this will begin to appear more often with the popularity and extensive use of social networks. Also, we have learned that many individuals are becoming addicted to social networks and will continue to use these websites in excess. Apart from addiction, social networks are also being used for professional purposes potentially compromising sensitive business information. The more individuals use social networks the more likely they will be targeted by vicious viruses such as the Koobface.
Nearly 120 million Facebook users have been targeted by the Koobface virus that uses the messaging system of social networks to infect PCs and gather sensitive information. The virus was developed by hackers to impact the largest number of internet users and what better to achieve that than using social networks. We have learned that social networks are rising in popularity and are some of the most common websites visited. Also, Facebook users receive multiple messages per day and many, including myself, do not take the time to read the sender of every message. It is imperative for college students, the most common users of Facebook, to be cautious of any messages they receive.
The messages are generally encoded with an alluring subject line and ask the user if they would like to update their flash player. Once the individual’s PCs becomes infected they are then taken to contaminated sites when they attempt to use Google, Yahoo and MSN. Facebook has attempted to protect their integrity by requiring that only users with accounts can post messages and they have posted a link to instruct users on how to clean their infected computer. However, this is not the first attack against social networks by hackers. Myspace was infected in August with the same virus but it was later eradicated. McAfee, a leader in security management has not yet identified the perpetrators, but they are looking into the problem. Some users have complained that their computers have actually been destroyed by this virus.
I think cases similar to this will begin to appear more often with the popularity and extensive use of social networks. Also, we have learned that many individuals are becoming addicted to social networks and will continue to use these websites in excess. Apart from addiction, social networks are also being used for professional purposes potentially compromising sensitive business information. The more individuals use social networks the more likely they will be targeted by vicious viruses such as the Koobface.
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