Computer “Personal” Safety -
Computer “Personal” Safety -
Folks did you know that depending on what your Facebook and other application settings are on your phones or computers, another person can possibly find out your exact location, address, or other personal information just by clicking on your name? Or more simply put, did you know that when you update your status on Facebook, your location from where you updated is publicized? Or that when you use certain phone apps, your location is also publicized? Well, for the longest I didn’t know until a friend called and gave me the exact address of where I was. I am relived that it was best friend, but still a little creeped out by the fact that she was able to do this. Being able to track this information might be good if you have children and you want to see if they actually stayed at school after you have dropped them off or if you want to contact them because you haven’t heard from them in several hours and you might be starting to worry. But on the flip side, this might not be a great thing if someone who dislikes you and wants to find out where you live or a rapist is prowling Facebook looking for his next victim by recording the locations of his or her Facebook friends. So how can you make sure you are not the next victim of some Internet or application lurking creep?
There are steps you can take to manage your personal information online more effectively. Computer safety is just as important as your personal safety! Most of these computer settings should work for your cellphones also.
1. Make sure you’re using a safe computer
Set a strong password for your computer, one that would be difficult for others to find out. Try to refrain from allowing others to use your computer. If you’re going to allow someone else to use it, make sure it is on the guest setting.
2. Edit privacy settings on Facebook
Check your privacy settings. Customize your settings for who can view your posts, pictures, application usage, etc. Most of your facebook information is viewable to the public by default, so customize this to your preferred level of privacy.
3. Edit Privacy Settings on Twitter
Check your privacy settings. Customize your settings for who can view your tweets pictures, application usage, etc.
4. Clear History and empty your cache – mobile device and different internet browsers
Make sure others are not able to see the sites you have visited or places you have entered your information. You don’t want to ever leave clues for an attacker to find you or trail you based on most visited or last visited sites.
5. Don’t ever enter your SSN or other similar info on the internet
Try to refrain from entering Social Security Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, or any other very personal information on your computer. If you are going to, make sure the site is secure. Usually there should be a statement that explains the high level of security.
Please understand that this is not an exhaustive list of Internet safety precautions. There are many many more, but these should definitely get you started in the right direction of taking responsibility for your computer “personal” safety.
