Social media safety tips avoid identity theft or getting hacked

LEARN HOW TO USE THE PRIVACY AND SECURITY SETTINGS OF YOUR ACCOUNTLearn about and use the privacy and security settings on social networks. They are there to help you control who has access to see or react to your posts.

KEEP YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION CLEANIf you want a career in the IT industry, keep in mind that recruiters respond to a positive personal online brand. Be smart, be thoughtful and be cautious when posting online

AVOID CYBERBULLYINGIf someone posts something about you that makes you that you feel violates your sense of security or privacy, tell them about it. Don’t let yourself be cyberbullied.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR SECURITY SOFTWARE CURRENTAn updated security system or anti-virus software is your best defense against viruses and other online hazards.

MAKE A STRONG PASSWORDA strong password should be at least 12 characters long. Make it alphanumeric to make it harder for hackers to access. Change your password if there is suspicious activity.

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICKSuspicious links sent via email, tweets, posts and online advertising may be sent by cybercriminals trying to phish and steal your personal information. If something looks weird, delete it— immediately.

WHAT APPEARS ON THE INTERNET… STAYS ON THE INTERNET

What you post on Facebook, or through other forms of social media stay online. Think really hard before saying anything or post pictures you wouldn’t want

your clients, parents or future employers to see.

RESPECT YOUR OWN PERSONAL SPACEThe more you post about yourself, the easier it may be for the bad guys to

steal your identity, access your data, or to creepily stalk you.

PROTECT YOURSELF AT ALL TIMESIf someone is harassing you, sending explicit or indecent messages and pictures, or threatening you, block them and report them to the admin of the social media site.

LIMIT THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO CAN SEE YOUR INFO

Set the privacy and security settings of your social media pages and websites to limit who you share information.

USE DIFFERENT PASSWORDS FOR DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS

Use different passwords for personal and professional pages. This will make it difficult for hackers to access your accounts.

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