Social Media Safety

Secure Your Social Media 

Social media is all about staying connected with people online from around the world. Because sites and apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Snapchat have created trust with users, these platforms often attract people who want to exploit and steal user data. These platforms have all put advanced security measures in place, but you also have a responsibility to protect your own data online. 

Stay Safe on Social

  • Be cautious when clicking a link regardless of who sent it. Many applications embedded within social networking sites require you to share your information when you use them. Attackers use these sites to distribute their malware just like they do when they send malicious email.
  • Use strong and unique passwords. Using the same password on all accounts increases the vulnerability of these accounts if one becomes compromised and do not share your passwords.
  • Be cautious of who you add as a "friend," or what groups or pages you join. The more "friends" you have or groups/pages you join, the more people who have access to your information.
  • Be wary of sharing personal information on social networking sites. Do not assume privacy on a social networking site. For both personal and professional use, confidential information should not be shared. You should only post information you are comfortable disclosing to a complete stranger.
  • Use discretion before posting information or commenting about anything. Once information is posted online, it can potentially be viewed by anyone and may not be retracted afterwards. Keep in mind that content or communications on government-related social networking pages may be considered public records.
  • Configure privacy settings to allow only those people you trust to have access to the information you post. Also, restrict the ability for others to post information to your page.
  • Be wary of downloading third party applications on your site.

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Social Media Safety Resources

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