precautions while using social networking sites

Its true, theyre watching you. Every time you surf the web

Sign out of all your accounts before browsing websites, or using search engines. Uninstall search tool bars that you might have installed. Check the extensions that your browser is running (refer to the browser Help section to know more about extensions), and disable the ones that you dont recognize.

Disconnect: Blocks trackers from popular sites (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari) HTTPS. Everywhere: Redirects to secure (HTTPS) versions of sites where possible (Chrome, Firefox). Adblock Plus: Blocks intrusive ads (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari).

1. Dont give optional informationWhen creating a profile, you do not need to enter all of the information that is requested. The setup page usually requires you to fill out basic information, such as your name and email. Everything else is optional. Do not feel obligated to put your address and telephone number.

There are three levels of privacy settings to choose from for your profile. There is open to everyone, open to friends of friends and friends only. The best setting to use is the friends only setting on all of your privacy choices. Friends only is the strictest level of security; it only allows people that you have accepted as a friend to view information about you.

Accepting only people you know and trust is a great way to ensure safety when using social networking sites. Doing this can protect you from spammers, pedophiles, and other people who use social networking sites to commit crimes.

Thirdparty applications may provide entertainment or functionality, but use caution when deciding which applications to enable. Avoid applications that seem suspicious, and modify your settings to limit the amount of information the applications can access.

Install software updates so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities (seeUnderstanding Patchesfor more information). Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable it.

Antivirus software helps protect your computer against known viruses, so you may be able to detect and remove the virus before it can do any damage (seeUnderstanding AntiVirus Softwarefor more information). Because attackers are continually writing new viruses, it is important to keep your definitions up to date.

Someone who breaks into computers or computer networks and accesses a profile users information to get money or to break into other personal accounts. Some may also create false profiles or pose as another user. Privacy statements on sites like Digg discuss situations like this. The new owners may have new and different plans for using the information contained in the site. Changes in privacy policies may follow an acquisition. Watch for this when you hear about an acquisition and always read notifications about changes to privacy terms, acceptable use policies and user agreements.