IT outsourcing users need to be aware that hackers are ever more utilizing social networks and search engine optimization (SEO), according to an expert. Javier Merchan, a spokesman for Panda Security, pointed out that the spread of the internet into Web 2.0 and the rise of the search engine has made circumstances easier for hackers and more criminals are looking into how they can exploit technology.

"Social networks and SEO attacks are just new platforms for cybercriminals. They are using old and new techniques to infect as many people as possible," he commented. The envoy also claimed that there should be more consciousness of the dangers of malware such as Trojans and fake anti-virus applications among corporate IT users, as more people are being targeted by these.

A recent report from Panda Security suggested that 13.7 per cent of searches for buzz words or current affairs directed people to malware in the second half of 2009.Also, cybercriminals and spammers boosted their presence on social networking websites, especially those which host user-generated content.