What Precautions Should I Take on Social Networking Sites?
Below are some helpful tips
regarding security and privacy while using social networking sites:
- Ensure
that any computer you use to connect to a social media site has proper
security measures in place. Use and maintain anti-virus software,
anti-spyware software, and a firewall and keep these applications and
operating system patched and up-to-date.
- Be
cautious when clicking on links. If a link seems suspicious, or too good
to be true, do not click on it...even if the link is on your most trusted
friend's page. Your friend's account may have been hijacked or infected
and now be spreading malware.
- If you
are going to request that your account be deleted, first remove all of the
data. Request that the account be deleted, rather than deactivated.
- Type the
address of your social networking site directly into your browser or use
your personal bookmarks. If you click a link to your site through
email or another website, you might be entering your account name and password
into a fake site where your personal information could be stolen
- Be
cautious about installing applications. Some social networking sites
provide the ability to add or install third party applications, such as
games. Keep in mind there is sometimes little or no quality control or
review of these applications and they may have full access to your account
and the data you share. Malicious applications can use this access to
interact with your friends on your behalf and to steal and misuse personal
data. Only install applications that come from trusted, well-known sites.
If you are no longer using the app, remove it. Also, please note that
installing some applications may modify your security and privacy
settings.
- Use
strong and unique passwords. Using the same password on all accounts
increases the vulnerability of these accounts if one becomes compromised.
Use different passwords for different accounts, and do not use a password
you use to access your organizations network on any personal sites you access.
- Be
careful whom you add as a “friend,” or what groups or pages you join. The
more “friends” you have or groups/pages you join, the more people who have
access to your information.
- Do not
assume privacy on a social networking site. For both business and personal
use, confidential information should not be shared. You should only post
information you are comfortable disclosing to a complete stranger.
- Use
discretion before posting information or comments. Once information is
posted online, it can potentially be viewed by anyone and may not be able
to be retracted afterwards. Keep in mind that content or communications on
government-related social networking pages may be considered public
records.
- When
posting pictures, delete the meta data, which includes the date and time
of the picture.
- Do not
announce that you are on vacation or away for an extended period of time.
- Configure
privacy settings to allow only those people you trust to have access to
the information you post, and your profile. Also, restrict the ability for
others to post information to your page. The default settings for some
sites may allow anyone to see your information or post information to your
page.
- Review a
site’s privacy policy. Some sites may share information, such as email
addresses or user preferences, with other parties. If a site’s privacy
policy is vague or does not properly protect your information, do not use
the site.
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