Awareness Campaign - Computer Security 101
Social Networking Site Safety
While social networking sites (SNS) have plenty to offer, they also create opportunities for the criminally-minded to use your information against you for cyber-stalking or identity theft (just to name a few scary but real scenarios). If you want to post on an SNS, use a gender-neutral nickname and don’t post any specific information that would identify yourself (high school attended + year of graduation; complete birthdate; home address). Remember that anything you post is available to any creep out there who wants to use it.
Question 8. By including personal information like your full birthdate and home address on Facebook and Myspace:
| A | Your friends will know when and where to mail your birthday presents. | |
| B | You are making your personal information public and available to anyone in the world who wants to see it. | |
| C | Your information, including your picture, can be stolen and used for illegal purposes by people posing as you. | |
| D | Potential employers can learn more about your personal life, and even see embarrassing stuff like those pictures your friends took of you that one time. | |
| E |  | All of the above. |
While there are ways a social networking site may be useful, there are just as many ways that could have negative consequences. Carefully weigh the benefits of posting information on a SNS before you decide to post. For more information about staying safe on social networking sites, please consult http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST06-003.html.