BOULDER - A new study shows that social network users may be more vulnerable to financial loss, identity theft and virus or spyware infection.

Boulder-based Webroot Software Inc., an Internet security company, found 80 percent of the 1,100 survey respondents don't restrict any details in their profiles from search engines, 59 percent don't know who can see their profiles, 32 percent include at least three pieces of personally identifiable information.

"The growth of social networks presents hackers with a huge target," Mike Kronenberg, Webroot's consumer business chief technology officer, said in a statement. "The first step to staying protected is being aware of what the threats are and knowing how to help prevent them."

Webroot has recorded an increase in attacks on social media in recent months. However, 78 percent of respondents expressed concern over their privacy.

Young adults, between 18 and 29 years old, are more likely to be at risk, according to the survey.

To help secure personal information, the company suggests restricting profiles, being skeptical of e-mails and friend requests, vary personal passwords, have antivirus and spyware software installed and operational, and always install updates.