Social Networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have become easy places for Intentiy Theft Criminals to collect personal information and create a new form of identification.
While social networking some of the information we provide may seem worthless but for a criminal the information we provide can become all the ingredients for a new "identity".
Two very popular social networking places many people tend to expose themselves to identity theft the most are Facebook and MySpace, however protecting yourself should be a concern no matter what social networking site you join.
The National Cyber Security Alliance advises we consider our activity on social networking sites and the information we offer the same as a "billboards in cyberspace." Most of us do not publicize certain things going on in our lives and homes on billboards--and we should consider what we post on the internet the exact same way. In order to stay safe from identity theft online it's vital to be careful about the information you post:
- Keep social network profiles safe and secure and limit access
- Create unique passwords
- Use up to date anti virus as well as Spy ware software programs on your personal computer
The Basic and Key information criminals use in order to create a new identity can often be discovered with ease:
- User Profile are a great source for personal information that can be used to identity for someone else.
- Personal Pictures,
- City state, and in some cases even the complete address,
- Full name and birth date,
Add the options for personal journals and you may be giving information about upcoming vacation plans, or other times a criminal may know you won't be home. Comments you make may offer clues about you and your family such as what you do, when and where you do it. - A criminal with a little time and a computer can send follow up emails and gather more personal information. Often these emails may appear to be from an "official" source and ask for verification of more confidential information such as a social security number, pen number or password.
- Other casually posted information posted on social networking pages may include:
- Favorite music
- Relationship status,
- Cell phone numbers,
- Previous employers.
Any of this information could be used to create credit card accounts. - Many people using social network sites are at great risk because of the "trust" level that can be achieved when meeting and making new "friends" online. Some users of social network sites take information at face value and share their information in by casual conversation, comments and blogs.
How can you protect yourself?
- Set profiles to private, allow access to only those you invite or add to your list.
- Be careful who you share information with.
- Make sure that your password is different for your email accounts as it is for your MySpace, Facebook or other social networking sites.
- Pay attention to the social network sites you belong to and read their bulletins as often any security issues are announced.
- Report any unusual things about your account, email or posting with your username to the website and change your password
As a Social Blog Networker I also practice these habits:
- I always write about things in the future without specific details about times, dates and places.
- I share the details as if I am a reporter writing about something that Has Happened...
- I use a Pen Username and keep my personal information protected as much as possible
The most important thing to remember is to keep a close eye on your credit and any mail you get at home or email. A great deal of personal information is public record so understanding the ways that criminals use to steal your identity is the greatest form of protection protecting your personal information is a part of modern life and includes far more then just your social networking activities...