Some people post anything and everything about themselves and their families on Facebook, Twitter and every other form of social media there is. And, while their thoughts, activities and life events aren’t put out on the web to create problems for themselves, sometimes they do.
Not so much with people they know and trust, but more so with the individuals that hack their way into other people’s lives just looking for their next victim.
So, how can you protect yourself while still feeling like you can keep up with family and friends via Posts and Tweets? Make sure these seven pieces of information never find their way onto your social media sites:
#1: Your physical address
Maybe you’ve lived in the same house for the last twenty years and everyone and their brother knows where you lay your head at night so you don’t view this as a big deal. To those around you that have known you forever, you’re probably right. However, those aren’t the people you have to worry about.
When you put your physical address on a profile for anyone to see, you’re essentially painting a big red “X” on your home and saying, “Here I am! Please come get me!” If you want to tell certain people where you live, that is fine and you can do so… privately.
Criminals look for easy targets. So, if you’re the type of person who isn’t safety minded enough to keep your location off the internet then you’ve already made it through their first set of criteria. And, if you’ve been kind enough to post pictures of the layout of your home, you just became their dream victim.
#2: Your current location
While it’s fun to post where you are and what you’re doing in real time, again, you’re opening up your life to other people and telling them roughly how long you’ll likely be away from home.
If it’s a restaurant, it’s likely an hour or two, but if it’s a bed & breakfast, you’re going to be out all night. That makes a perfect opportunity for would-be burglars as they then know how much time they have to go into your home and collect all of your valuables (and to make a clean getaway).
If you want to let your friends and family know how much fun you’ve had at a certain event or location, post that information after the fact. Once you’re home safe and sound and your house is all locked up for the night, you can rub your new adventure in everyone else’s face as much as you want. At that point it is too late for anyone to make your home their jackpot.
#3: When you’re going to be out of town
Sure you’re excited about your upcoming week long vacation to the tropics, but sharing this sort of information not only tells a career burglar when your home is available, but it gives them time to plan. They know that they can take their time because they have a full week to come and go from your residence as they please.
And, don’t think you’re safe because you have your privacy settings set. Computer hackers don’t care what your preferences are. In fact, the more guarded you are, the sweeter their victory when they break into your system to find out all the information you’ve been trying to keep just amongst friends.
#4: Your kid’s school information
Admittedly, this one is tough because you want to flaunt when your child does something great at school. Being a proud parent, you want to boast and celebrate their victories. You want to share with the world this great human being that you call your son or daughter.
However, the more information you release about your child, the more you put them at risk from predators. Sick people find ways to learn as much as they can about the children they’re about to victimize. That way, they can locate them easier and when they do, they can befriend them because they already know all about their interests, hobbies and activities.
So, be careful what you post about your child and try to keep it as vague as possible. The less identifying information you put out there, the better. If you have photos that you want to share, email them instead. That way you know who is seeing them and you have a better chance of protecting your little ones.
#5: Negative comments about your boss or co-workers
Some people like to use their social media sites to vent their frustrations at work, but doing so not only makes you look unstable but it can also hurt your career as well.
Not only do you risk trouble at work by posting negative comments about your employer (the one who writes your paycheck), but problems with co-workers can start as a result too. For these reasons, you’re much better off leaving your work related feelings out of the public eye.
Think in terms of future employers as well. If you lost your job today and a future employer looked at your Facebook page or Twitter tweets, what would they see?
If it is a lot of insults and rantings about your current job or employer, they’re probably not going to even look at you as a prospective employee for fear that you’ll do the same to them.
#6: Anything illegal
It’s amazing how many people violate this every day. They post pictures of themselves drinking when they’re underage, of them and their friends doing illegal drugs and everything else you can imagine. They think it’s funny, but the reality is that if they’re ever busted for any of these types of activities, they’re just making the legal case against themselves that much stronger.
Defense attorneys, private investigators, the police and all sorts of law enforcement professionals are well aware of how to use social media to get the information they’re after. So, if you have a lot of pictures or comments that incriminate yourself, you’re just making their job much easier – and sinking your own boat.
Certainly, this doesn’t condone or suggest that illegal behavior and activities are okay as long as you keep them off social media. They’re not. But if you do have a momentary lapse in judgment, don’t proclaim it to the world, okay?
#7: Anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to find out about
This is by means the test that every post or tweet you make should pass. If you wouldn’t want your grandmother to read it, then leave it off your page. Why? Because even if she doesn’t have a social media account, she may certainly hear about it regardless.
Be aware of what you put out to the rest of the world via your social media. For instance, on my Facebook Author Page, I only put motivational and inspirational quotes designed to empower people to make positive and beneficial choices in their lives. That is how I want to put my stamp on this world.
What do you want your stamp to say? Think about that the next time you post. Make sure it’s something that you’re okay with being in black and white forever – because it will be.
Add Comment