Cautiously connected: protect yourself online

There’s a lot to know about social media and how to make the most of sites like Facebook and Twitter. One thing many of us don’t know is how to protect ourselves and our identities when we use them.

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Chartered Accountant James A. Carroll, FCA, of Mississauga, says that young people especially tend to minimize the threats and complications that social media can let into their lives. They don’t always see the immediate consequences and take a “what-harm-can-it-do” attitude to disclosing information. But there can be more than money at stake. Your reputation and credit rating can be compromised or damaged. Your family and security can be threatened. Some people have even found themselves facing jail time, their lives destroyed by identity thieves who went on to commit crimes using their names and information. “A little effort and some good-sense precautions can do a lot to prevent this happening to you,” says Carrol. Here are his nine tips for staying safe and protected while having all the fun and connections that social networking sites can offer. Limit your visibility – Most sites allow you to decide how visible you want your contact information, profile details, photos and postings to be. Take time to read instructions and learn how to set the right control levels. Don’t disclose your birthday, ever – A date of birth is a critical piece of your identity. It’s one of the first things a thief will look for. If you must provide a date for some reason, don’t hesitate to play fast and loose with the facts. Talk to kids and teens about the dangers – Bullying, luring and cybersex are a part of Internet culture that schools don’t teach, says Carroll. Parents need to monitor what their children are looking at online, know with whom they’re chatting and what about. Make sure they understand why you’re concerned and what they must do to protect their safety. Choose your passwords carefully – Don’t use easy guesses, like your pet’s name or your favourite sports star’s number. Don’t use the same password you use for other highly confidential things, like your bank account or e-mail. Don’t talk to strangers – Most social networking sites allow you to specify privacy options, such as who can see your postings and communications. Twitter can be set to restrict “tweet” delivery to those in your circle of friends. Don’t feel the need to add contacts or accept correspondence from everyone who asks. Being selective about your connections gives you more control and helps keep you safe. Assume a 20-year lifespan – Legends abound about people who, in a moment of rash judgment, posted, wrote or otherwise sent into cyberspace things that came back to hurt them or those they love. Assume anything you post anywhere on the Web - and especially on any social media site - will be there for the entire world to see. And for a long, long time. Choose to opt-out – Say no to being contacted by advertisers and third parties. Don’t open yourself up to spam, junk mail and people you really don’t want to hear from. Stay off the wall – Don’t use your own or other people’s public message boards or “walls” to share personal information or communications. If it’s longer than a sentence or two, text or e-mail instead. Never post information that suggests you or your home is vulnerable –Don’t “tweet” or post an update from your vacation resort in the Cayman Islands. Never suggest that you may be alone, elderly or in poor health, or experiencing any trouble or difficulty of any kind. Brought to you by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario