Social Media Safety

There are so many social network sites online some of the most popular ones are Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Linkin we use these social media outlets for many reasons but you must be careful about what information you post these social media sites. There are those out there who are checking social network sites to use your information to open up fake credit card accounts or track your whereabouts. This information in the wrong hands could be very damaging to you and your family.

All social media platform offer some type of protection as these social media site are aware of the possible threats by those who wish to use your information to their benefit. You must become familiar with your platform security settings you can limit who sees post on your page but do not depend solely on the security setting to protect your information. Use common sense approach when posting do not put your whole history in your bio such as the last place you worked or the last school you attended.  This information in addition to just a little more information can be used to open up fictitious accounts in your name.

One of my concerns is checking in if your feel the need to share this type of information on your social media then post or check in when you are home. In my opinion this is like placing a sign on your front door telling the whole world “hi come on in no one is home” I have heard many stories of people on vacation or just out for an evening who check in at some location to come home and find their residence burglarized.  When I want to post any information on social media I ask myself the following questions. Do I really need to post this? Is this something I would want the world to know? And do I need to post this now? I use these questions as a guide prior to making any post on social media sites.

The last recommendation is to do some house cleaning on your contact list. What you need to do is manage your friends or contacts on your social media platforms every so often. I would keep close friends or family members on your friends or contact list. When you receive a friend request do not accept friend request too quickly take some time do some research on this request.  Do they have mutual friends and interest as you? What would be the purpose for this request? If you are a blogger or have a business and have a need for a large network then I would open up a fan page or a separate account in your business name. You need to keep your personal information personal on social media platforms.

I hope this post is helpful as always please leave a comment

Mark Carvajal