In an earlier post, we talked about things that you should NEVER post on Facebook. Because it seems that at least 90% of my Facebook friends are guilty of these things, I thought that it was appropriate to list some of the other, equally important, things that you shouldn't post on any social media site.
Protecting yourself online isn't just a matter of protecting your data from hackers anymore. You have to keep in mind that the security of your home and family is at risk when you over-share. Companies make it so easy to tell everyone in your network where you work, where you shop and how you play. Please know that these companies don't have your best interests at heart. They are trying to get information about you, your shopping habits, your family's demographic information and they planning to use it to market products and services to you. They aren't concerned about your privacy.
Here is the rest of the list:
- The layout of your home- Even my older sister did this. She and her husband recently moved into a new home, they spent three months and who knows how much money redecorating their new place. She was so proud when she was finished that she posted room by room photos of her home. She thought that she was sharing her accomplishment with her friends, and didn't even realize that she was providing a color catalog for any would-be robbers.
- You child's name- Just don't post this. Ever. If you want to talk about your kids, make up nicknames for them and use them consistently. Get Grandma in on it too. If anyone tags your child in a photo and uses their real name, delete it. Even if you aren't concerned about child predators, knowing this information makes it even easier for someone to target you or your home. For example, if they know your son is named Chris Smith, and they see a picture of them at a school event, they would then know the area you live in and a few calls to the school or PTA, they can get your address and phone number.
- Confessions- This should be obvious. Don't admit to activities you wouldn't want to world to know on your Facebook. If you are collecting Worker's Compensation, don't talk about how much fun you had at the amusement park yesterday. If you call in sick to work, don't check in with Facebook places and brag about the great deals you got at the mall.
If you have been guilty of sharing all of these things, I hope that you can see how dangerous it is. If someone wanted to do you harm, whether it was personal or not, they would have all the ammunition they would need to succeed. A robber could find out exactly where you live, what sort of stuff you have, when you are going to be away. Then, they could get your banking information and reset your passwords and have access to all of your financial information. Heck, if they know you are in Jamacia for a week, they could sit at your home computer and have a great time.
So, be careful. Protect your privacy on social networking sites.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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