Online social networking is very popular. Social networking services, such as Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter, give users a way to interact with a large circle of friends and acquaintances. To protect yourself and your friends and family, it is best to be mindful of safe social networking practices and privacy settings.
Recommendations on Using Social Networking
- Read the privacy policy and available privacy settings before signing up. Many popular and reputable services offer controls to restrict access to your profile, photos and messages you might share.
- Fill-in only mandatory fields when you sign up for an account. The more information that is shared increases the ways you can be targeted in phishing and identity theft.
- Do not post sensitive information about yourself online. Always assume that any information you post will be public. Do not post your Social Security number, physical address, and credit card and bank account numbers.
- Interact only with people you already know and trust, or those recommended by trusted friends.
- Do not arrange a face-to-face meeting with a stranger you meet online. No matter how non-threatening they may seem. There is no way to verify the information they put on their profile pages.
- Avoid phone apps that post your current location. Broadcasting your location is an easy way for stalkers, sexual predators, and other individuals that pose a threat to your safety to track you down. Broadcasting your location lets potential burglars know when you are on vacation or away from your home for an extended period.
- Avoid phone apps that request access to sensitive information, such as date of birth.
- Use caution before clicking any links. If a friend's account is hacked, the links they share or send may contain malware, viruses or Internet worms.
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