Computers & Gadgets

For most of us on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social sites we aren’t too worried about safety. Well maltreatment, pedophiles, stalking, and other crimes are now a priority social networkers should have. Some time ago 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 protect yourself and your identity.

1. Keep Personal Info Private
People don’t need to know your individual information. Never put your social security number, address, and phone number out there. Only give it to people you know in person. 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 real name. And don’t tweet where you are because that makes you easy to follow or even break into your house.

2. Be cautious of Strangers
Although this might seem a little elementary, there’s nothing wrong with a refresher course. Some people 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 don’t know them, and your friends don’t know them, don’t add them.

3. Bizarre Behavior
If friends on social sites seem to be acting peculiar, don’t receive gifts from them or open their messages. Someone may have hacked into their system so who you thought was a friend really isn’t. So, if you have a friend pushing “muenster cheese is the best” but you know they’re a vegan. Then it’s probably a sign that you shouldn’t click on the URL. It could be a nasty program that will mess up your computer.

4. Condensed URLs
A number of 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 useful, they can also allow scammers and spammers the ability to hide where you are actually going. If it’s possible make sure to preview the URL before you go onto it. An easy rule is that if you can’t make out where the link is going, don’t go there.

5. Be aware of your Personal Options
All of these social media tools allow you to adjust your private security settings to a particular point. Make sure that you assess and regulate them to the uppermost privacy setting they allow. However, don’t set the settings so high that the tools don’t work right. Many of these settings are not the default so make sure that you modify them so some random visitor can’t find your info through the search engine. If you dislike or are nervous about some of the privacy settings on the site, then don’t use it. Look for another site that meets your privacy protection standards. Frequently examine and raise your browser privacy settings.

Social sites can be great. You can reconnect with old friends, develop 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 safe.

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.