For most of us on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social sites we aren’t too concerned about safety. Well harassment, pedophiles, stalking, and other crimes are now a priority social networkers should have. In the past I have been pretty open on my Facebook page, although there is a total difference between being open and being brainless. Here are 5 ways to safeguard yourself and your identity.
1. Keep Private Info Secret
Individuals Everyone doesn’t need to know your private information. Never put your social security number, address, and phone number out there. Only give it to people you know personally. Also, be careful about the people you add. You never know who may turn out to be a hacker, stalker, or someone trying to steal your identity. Also consider using a user name that isn’t your actual name. And don’t tweet where you are because that makes you easy to follow or even break into your house.
2. Beware of Strangers
Although this might seem a little basic, there’s nothing wrong with a review course. Some individuals that might seem like friends could in reality be spammers that just want to hijack your account. Or they could just want to get traffic to their links. If you aren’t acquainted with them, and your friends don’t know them, don’t add them.
3. Odd Behavior
If friends on social sites seem to be acting weird, don’t receive gifts from them or open their messages. may have hacked into their system so who you thought was a friend really isn’t. So, if you have a friend pushing “havarti cheese is the best” but you know they’re a vegan. Then it’s probably a warning that you shouldn’t click on the URL. It could be a malicious program that will mess up your computer.
4. Shortened URLs
Several URLs for web site addresses are really long and consequently by using tools like bit.ly you can have a link with a shortened URL. While these may be helpful, they can also allow scammers and spammers the capability to hide where you are actually going. If it’s possible make sure to preview the URL prior to going on it. An easy rule is that if you can’t make out where the link is going, don’t click on it.
5. Be aware of your Privacy Options
All of these social media tools allow you to alter your private security settings to a specific point. Make sure that you review and adjust them to the uppermost privacy setting they allow. However, don’t set the settings so high that the tools don’t work appropriately. Many of these settings are not the default so make sure that you alter them so some random guest can’t find your data through the search engine. If you dislike or are worried about some of the privacy settings on the site, then don’t use it. Look for a new site that meets your privacy protection standards. Frequently examine and upgrade your browser privacy settings.
Social sites can be awesome. You can reconnect with old friends, improve existing relationships, and at the same time make new friends. Just be careful about what information you are putting up there, and take into account these 5 tips in order to keep yourself and your identity secure.
About the author:
Diane Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. She likes to write about the news, politics, college classes, online education, and the college experience.
