People’s lives are very much exposed today online. From places visited to meals eaten to clothes worn, almost everything is broadcast on various social networking sites.
Social media has its pros and cons. While it is a function of social networking sites to connect users to their family and friends, “netizens” are also exposed to risks such as defamation, identity theft, hacking, among others
As an online safety campaign goes, “Think before you click.” Below are typical social media behaviors that can spell danger:
Posting birthdate, address, current location, and contact details:
As much as you want to receive greetings from loved ones on your birthday, posting your birthdate is information scammers and hackers can use to access your personal accounts. The same goes with making public your address, current residence, and contact details such as mobile number. Also, make sure that you turn off your smartphone’s geotagging function. The last thing you want is strangers lurking around your neighborhood because you have made your home address available to the entire online community.
Taking pictures of classified information
Some things are meant for your eyes only. Do not share top-secret information linked to your job or profession. Also, stay away from sharing your ID and bank account numbers, as hackers are always on the lookout for identities they can use for their schemes. If you must post, make sure to blur sensitive information that can expose you to risks.
Sharing embarrassing moments, work complaints, and marital woes
Remember that wild night you had last Thursday night? Well, it turned out it’s all over social media, and your bosses now know why you were not at work the following day. What will your friends think when they see you saying nasty stuff about your spouse?
Save yourself from trouble and do not share too much of your thoughts on social media.
Be a responsible social media advocate. Think before you click, and keep yourself (and your social media accounts) safe.
Marc Slavin is a communications strategist with over two decades of experience in communications management. Find more about responsible communication when you visit this Twitter feed.
Social media has its pros and cons. While it is a function of social networking sites to connect users to their family and friends, “netizens” are also exposed to risks such as defamation, identity theft, hacking, among others
As an online safety campaign goes, “Think before you click.” Below are typical social media behaviors that can spell danger:
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| Image source: gosimplysocial.com |
Posting birthdate, address, current location, and contact details:
As much as you want to receive greetings from loved ones on your birthday, posting your birthdate is information scammers and hackers can use to access your personal accounts. The same goes with making public your address, current residence, and contact details such as mobile number. Also, make sure that you turn off your smartphone’s geotagging function. The last thing you want is strangers lurking around your neighborhood because you have made your home address available to the entire online community.
Taking pictures of classified information
Some things are meant for your eyes only. Do not share top-secret information linked to your job or profession. Also, stay away from sharing your ID and bank account numbers, as hackers are always on the lookout for identities they can use for their schemes. If you must post, make sure to blur sensitive information that can expose you to risks.
 |
| Image source: alternet.org |
Sharing embarrassing moments, work complaints, and marital woes
Remember that wild night you had last Thursday night? Well, it turned out it’s all over social media, and your bosses now know why you were not at work the following day. What will your friends think when they see you saying nasty stuff about your spouse?
Save yourself from trouble and do not share too much of your thoughts on social media.
Be a responsible social media advocate. Think before you click, and keep yourself (and your social media accounts) safe.
Marc Slavin is a communications strategist with over two decades of experience in communications management. Find more about responsible communication when you visit this Twitter feed.
