Privacy and security in Social networks - part III
Introduction
This is the third article in a series about privacy and security in social networks. If you have not already read part I and II, we strongly recommend that you read these first. You will find part I here and part II here.
Precautions
The most useful precaution you can take in your use of social networks is this:
Use common sense and apply sound skepticism!
Below are some specific guidelines that you should use. Some of them do not apply for all social networks, and you should therefore evaluate which are relevant for your own use.
Restrict your information to a “need-to-know” basis
Everyone in the whole world with access to the Internet does not need to know all your details. As we have demonstrated in previous articles, this can be dangerous to you both now and in the future.
You should take the necessary time to configure your profile on the social networks of which you are a member. Set up restrictions regarding which information that you share publicly.
Never trust emails asking for personal account information
Serious operators of social networks never ask for your account information or confirmation thereof by email messages. Their preferred communication method is (obviously) through the social network itself.
This however, is perhaps the most popular (and unfortunately successful) method to trick someone to part with his valuable account information.
You should therefore never log in to any social network through a third-party web site or state your social network user credentials on such sites.
Beware of atypical messages from friends
Messages from your friends and contacts that deviate from their normal communication method (e.g. by the language used) have a high probability of being automated messages from malware.
If you have the slightest hunch that the message does not originate from your friend, an easy and quick protection mechanism is to ask him for confirmation.
Use back-up for real-life meetings
If you meet an online friend for the first time in real life, always bring along friends, and preferably an adult if you are a youngster.
Final words
Social networks have the potential for enriching your personal life and for being a useful tool in your professional career.
There are however also pitfalls that should be avoided when you participate in these communities.
By applying some easy precautions you can ensure that you only experience the bright side of social networks, and not become yet another victim to the predators who use social networks as their hunting ground.
