1. Follow good password practice. Change your password at least once every few months. If like me, you are too paranoid to write your passwords down then stick to 1-3 passwords that are unique but you can still remember and use for more than just one site.
When choosing a password think of a simple base word or phrase… It could be a memory or nickname that only you would know of then add some numbers to it. To be even more fail safe, then scramble your password in a way so that you can still read it as one word. For example: spaghettiisland368 becomes ghettispaglandis368.
2. Don’t be a crazy clicking fool. Approach all unidentifiable links with caution. If you receive a suspicious looking link that you think might be a spam post, do NOT click on the link and ALWAYS change your password immediately if you do click on it by accident. If the link is shortened and you can’t see the URL clearly, then best to avoid clicking it until you have updated your security software on your computer. People unknowingly click on links which allows hackers to access your details, spam your contact list and make you feeling like a fool!
3. Regularly double check your privacy settings. The wonderful world of social networking is an ever changing one which means new preferences and privacy laws are constantly being updated to protect its users. You can’t always trust their systems and checking your settings once in a while gives you a little more peace knowing you have some control of your privacy.
4. Just because your friend did an online survey or quiz, doesn’t mean you have to. Minimise your activity with social apps requesting you to complete online quizzes and surveys that have absolutely no benefit for you. Not only are these applications time wasting but you are simply granting them to have access to your profile and information.
5. Discretion with important information is wise. If you really want everyone on facebook to know that it’s your birthday then hide the year you were born. Refrain from mentioning your birthday at all on more public social sites such as twitter and linkedin. This, along with other tidbits of important information is what thieves and hackers can use to potentially steal your identity. See my previous post, A facebook for every face.
6. Don’t be a vulnerable little damsel. There is no need to broadcast your activity on a daily basis in a public forum as hackers like to follow patterns and regular activity. Stick to one private social site which you can use only for your family and friends. Don’t “check –in” every time you go out and if you must tell everyone you’re overseas, only allow your close friends and family to see your check-in posts.
7. Think before you post. If you like having an online personality then think before you post. Swearing, derogatory words and bullying on social networking sites can get you into a lot of trouble if reported. If you must get something off your chest and tell all your friends, be wise with the words you choose to express your feelings.
8. Keep your system safe like your baby. As well as keeping a smart attitude about being safe on social networking sites, keep your system up to date with regular updates and good security software. If you don’t have updated security software then just be careful and always be cautious of potential threats that can harm your system. See point 2.
