Social networks let you share lots of personal details — but some data shouldn’t be out there. Follow some simple tips and keep yourself safe.
Step 1: Protect your passwordMake sure nothing on your profile matches your answers to online security questions used on other sites. The easier your information is to find, the greater the risk it’ll end up in the wrong hands.
Step 2: Lack a born identityAdding your birthday to your profile? Leave off the year and location, which can be used to figure out your social security number. Just the month and date are enough for contacts to know when it’s your big day.
Step 3: Keep your home to yourselfAvoid posting your full home address, and keep the details of any events at your house restricted — letting the world know where you live puts you at risk for strangers crashing your parties, stalking you, or worse!
Step 4: Be discreetBe discreet with work-related or opinion-based status messages. And make sure any education or work information posted to your profile matches your resume, or you may risk a potential employer thinking you’re dishonest.
Step 5: Don’t risk itEven insurance companies are checking out customers and applicants on social networks. Keep risky or unhealthy behavior to yourself to avoid potential cancellations or rate hikes.