Social networking sites are becoming a prime target for identity fraudsters, according to new research.

A study from web security advisory group GetSafeOnline found that one in four people using social networking sites have posted confidential or personal information such as phone number, address or email on their online profile, making them vulnerable to identity fraud.

The 10.8 million people across the UK registered to social networking sites are much more open about their lives online, said GetSafeOnline managing director Tony Neate.

“Although some of these details may seem harmless, they actually provide rich pickings for criminals,” he said.

Information such as date of birth and address is enough to set up a credit card in someone’s name, said Neate.

“So while most people wouldn’t give this information to a stranger in real life, they will happily post it online where people they don’t know can see it,” he said.

The research also found that 13 per cent of social networkers have posted information or photos of other people online without their consent.

It is a trend most prevalent amongst younger users, with 27 per cent of 18-24 year-olds admitting they have posted information or photos of other people online without their consent.

While online activity puts users at greater risk of identity fraud, they have become more vigilant about installing internet security software on their computers, according to the research.

The study suggests that 88 per cent of internet users now have some form of internet security software, such as a firewall, or up-to-date anti-spyware or anti-virus protection, on their PC or laptop.

But those using wireless networks are not securing their data adequately, with figures showing 7.8 million people in the UK have unsecured internet access.

Most internet users don’t realise the risks involved in using WiFi on an unsecured network, said Neate.

“Criminals can use the network you are on to hijack your PC or laptop, meaning that they can see, steal, delete or even add files on your machine,” he said.