Love bytes

Dave kicks off a Valentine's special by getting some internet dating advice from a security vendor. For some reason.

I was beyond terrified to read this week that online undesirables could sink so low as to use this most romantic time of year to wreak their internet havoc.

Authentication vendor Vasco has asked us to share its assumption that the lead-up to Valentine's Day will see more and more singletons rush towards the internet to try to find that very special someone. The scaremongering security specialist is frankly appalled that single surfers often use social networking and dating sites to share their most sensitive details.

This includes "information about where they live and whether they are a student or in employment. These facts are often supported by images".

Let's put this to the test, shall we? My name is Dave Diamond-Geezer, and I live and work in Dagenham. I am no longer a student and, if you glance towards the top of the page, you'll see a picture of my devilishly handsome chops.

Vasco - if I haven't been massively defrauded by this time next week, you owe me a coke.

In the most seamless segue of the year, Vasco chief operating officer Jan Valcke said: "The problem of online identity theft is obviously not restricted to specific celebrations. Vasco's Digipass for Web exists to protect people whenever they are online."

I think you're best to take his advice, Dear Reader. This is clearly a man who knows a lot about the perils of searching for love online.