Social Safety

 Social networking web sites focus on building social relationships among people who share interests and/or activities.
The potential for communications and interaction is limitless, and most of us have at least one social networking profile online. Although social networks have become an important aspect of our life online, users should exercise caution when using social networking web sites.

Recently there have been growing concerns about users giving out too much personal information.

Users of these services need to be aware of data theft, identity theft, fraud, and the very real potential for viruses. Social networking web sites focus on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people who share interests and/or activities. A social network service essentially consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services.

Most social networking services, such as Facebook, Myspace, and others provide the user with a choice of who can view their profile. This prevents unauthorized user(s) from accessing their information. By choosing to make their profile private, users are able to select who can see their page and this prevents unwanted people from collecting information. This is a great feature that is meant to protect social networking users from people you may not know collecting information to use in attempts to defraud, spam, or harass members. Although this feature in there, many people use little to no caution as to who they accept as "friends".

It's important to look at it from another view. I know it can seem harmless to add people as friends, but think about it from the outside looking in. All of the people on your friends or buddy list can see not only your details, but everything you post on a day to day basis. This alone isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you participate in the popular surveys and questionnaire that go around, there is allot more information about you and your family being posted for anyone to see.

Thieves online are smart. Very Smart. They know by now how to use technology, and using peoples human nature work to for them, and they are very successful at it. These individuals often live in countries outside of the U.S., therefore have very little risk of getting caught, and almost no risk of any nature of consequences if they do. They generally will add "vics" (Victims) to their friends list, then catalog everything they can about the people on their friends list. The information they are looking for ranges from your name, friends names, spouses name, names of your friends, your pets names,etc. The surveys and questionnaires that go around so frequently only feed them more details about you, if you choose to participate.

Take a moment and think about the questions that are asked on those surveys. Very personal details, and little facts about people, places, and things that important and valid in your life.

Now, think about passwords.

Yes, passwords. How do most of us choose a password only we will remember? Human nature and convenience will almost always be the determine factor in choosing a password. People, places and things in our lives. Over time, Cyber Thieves can catalog enough information about you to talk to you in person or over the phone like he/she was a long lost friend, or call your home and talk to a family member as the same.  Which leads me to mention that sometimes, that's exactly what happens.  Telemarketers, phone callers asking for donations for some cause, door to door salesmen/women. The threats to your privacy and financial security don't stop when you log off.

Most of these threats can be avoided by following a few safety guidelines.

Always have a reputable anti-virus installed on your computer. Never turn it off, even if a friend asks you to because you are trying to receive a file download from them.

Limit the people on your friends/buddy list. You don't have to be asocial, but you should "Know" who is listening.

Always choose a strong password consisting of numbers, capital and lower case letters, and if possible special characters. Do not use any whole word that would be found in a dictionary.

Delete non-communicative friends who you do not personally "know".

NEVER, ever, never ever, give personal details about yourself, your family or friends on surveys.

NEVER use common names, places and things when choosing a password...on any website.

Never give personal details or financial information over the phone.

It's a very real and common scam to call a victim and offer some seemingly legit service or product.

These people (crooks) are ultimately sales people, that's how they are so successful...they sell themselves and take advantage of our human weaknesses (i hate salesmen :-) Note: Caller ID systems can be "Spoofed". Just because the Caller ID says "Red Cross", or "Dish Network", doesn't mean it is a legitimate call. If you're interested in the offer, or supporting a certain cause, hang up and call that company directly.

I know it seems like we all have to watch out backs at every turn, and I know we all want to get online and spend our free time doing something fun. The Internet is a wonderful resource, and one that opens so many possibilities for all of us. Despite that, we all have seen the news stories of the worst happening. Be careful, and please take the time to educate the children in your household about the dangers of not the Internet it's self, but of people. If you have any questions, about online safety, parental controls, or anything else we can help you with, please call. Questions are always welcome.. and answers are always Free.  Safe computing Oklahoma City.