Social networking sites can be a great way to connect with friends. But there are some safety tips you should always keep in mind when sharing information online.
- Privacy: There’s a reason privacy and security settings exist. They provide you with control of who sees the information you post and help you manage your online experience in a positive way. Go to your settings tab in your social media account to see your privacy options.
- Sharing: Sharing is caring, but in social media, sharing too much personal information can make criminals care for the wrong reasons. The more personal information you post online, the easier it is for someone to use that information to steal your identity, access your data or commit other crimes like stalking.
- Friends and followers: They’re not all created equal, so the next time you decide to accept a friend or follow request on your private personal page, think again. If you want to use social media for networking or to become an influencer, create an open profile or a fan page that allows broad participation while limiting access to personal information.
- Caution: Beware of suspicious links, even if they come from friends. These can sometimes contain harmful software or be part of a phishing attack. If you are suspicious, don’t click it. Contact your friend to verify the link they sent you first.
- Remember: Once posted, forever posted. Your everyday life can be affected by what you share online, so think before you upload that picture or comment you wouldn’t want you family or co-workers to see.
Bottom line: Think about what you share before it’s too late.
