Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and MySpace; these are the most common social media platforms the general American population uses. Many even utilize several or all of these networks. Unfortunately, many scam artists and criminal predators use these accounts for nefarious purposes. So, how can you better protect yourself; and especially your children who aren’t nearly quite as security savvy?
Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL would like to offer some tips and advice on keeping yourself safe and protected on social media.
1. Whether you posted a picture or a text, realize that it can easily be shared, copied and pasted so be selective on what you post. Anything you put online can be imprinted their permanently.
2. Social media isn’t a popularity contest. Don’t accept as friends people you don’t know; even if you find them attractive and/or interesting. If you think you could know them, message them first for a reminder of who they are before accepting their invitation. Not everyone is trustworthy on the internet.
3. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Clicking on links that give away “free” things could be a way to unknowingly invite a hacker into your personal life. Use caution when clicking on links.
4. Pay attention to your settings, especially your privatized settings. Make sure it is only friends and family having access to your postings instead of every person out there. Check your setting periodically to confirm that they haven’t changed.
5. Don’t reveal too much information. If someone is asking for personal information, do your homework first. Business entities do not request personal information over social networks.
6. If you enjoy posting selfies or photos of places you are visiting, turn off the GPS setting on your camera or cell phone so your exact location isn’t being disclosed.
7. It’s a nuisance having to input your password every time you wish to login, but resist the urge to auto save that information. If you lose your tablet, phone, or laptop, or these devices get stolen; all your passwords are saved and now are in the wrong hands. Don’t auto save your passwords.
8. Change your passwords often. When choosing a password, don’t let it be obvious. Use capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Make it difficult to crack the code.
9. If you have accounts that are never used, delete them. If you decide to use the social network again, you can always start a new one. Predators use inactive accounts to their advantage.
10. Periodically search yourself on your favorite search engine, or a few search engines. Make sure your account is actually your account. Common names might be hard to sift through, but take the time to make sure no one has hijacked your picture and name and is running amuck with your social network identity.
11. Know what your children are up to. Friend your children and periodically log into their accounts to ensure there aren’t suspicious people talking to your kids. You are the parent and privacy only goes so far while preserving their safety.
12. Inform your little ones, including teenagers, the possible dangers on the social networks. The more they know the better.
You may want to check out this social experiment displaying the dangers of social media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jMhMVEjEQg
