It's also important to realize that information you post can be viewed by a broad audience, and could have lasting implications. College admissions officers and school administrators, for example, do visit these sites and in some cases, admissions have been denied to applicants, or disciplinary actions have been taken because of information or photos posted online. Employers also review these sites for information about potential job applicants.
What can you do to protect yourself?
1) Make sure your computer is protected before visiting sites - make sure you have a firewall and anti-virus software on your computer and that it is up-to-date. Keep your operating system up-to-date as well.
2) Do not assume you are in a trusted environment - just because you are on someone's page you know, it is still prudent to use caution when navigating pages and clicking on links or photos, because links, images or other content contained on the pages may include malicious code.
3) Be cautious in how much sensitive and/or personal information you provide - remember that the more information you post, the easier it may be for an attacker to use that information to steal your identity or access your data. Never post confidential information.
4) Use common sense when communicating with users you DO know - confirm electronic requests for loans or donations from your social networking friends and associates. The communications could be from someone who has stolen the credentials of the person you know with the intent of scamming as many people as possible.
5) Use common sense when communicating with users you DON'T know - be cautious about whom you allow to contact you or how much and what type of information you share with strangers online.
6) Understand what information is collected and shared - pay attention to the policies and terms of the sites; they may be sharing your email address or other details with other companies.
7) Make sure you know what sites your child is visiting - be involved in your child's activities and know with whom he/she is communicating and what information is being posted by them or about them by others.
8) Be aware of any expectations or limitations on your presence as an official government employee (e.g., conducted during non-business hours versus business hours, providing personal versus official department opinions, etc.).
For additional information on social networking tips visit:
Cyber Safety for Children: www.cybersafety.ca.gov
US-CERT: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/
Stay Safe Online: http://www.staysafeonline.
Cyber Smart:, http://cybersmartcurriculum.
GetNetWise: http://kids.getnetwise.org/
OnGuard Online: http://www.onguardonline.gov/
TechMission, Inc. Safe Families: http://www.safefamilies.org/
