Social Networking Security

Social networking services are used by 95% of managers and workers. And, because they use these tools to communicate so frequently, it’s important to consistently revisit the security features, functions, and fallout associated with social sites.
Social Web Site Security Tips
By now you know the routine: Every time you join a new online service or social networking site, you are asked to provide personal data that could include everything from your birth date to your first pet’s name to your job history. As much as you may want to present your true self in the virtual community, you should always take steps to protect your identity and reputation on the Web. Spammers and cybercriminals love to mine social based sites, so consider the following tips when you set up, use, and modify your online profile.
-Be aware of the personal info you post in public areas, such as About Me and Profile sections, and keep it separate from the security questions you establish for accessing your account in the event that you forget your password; others can glean answers to security questions from information you post, potentially providing them access to your account.
-Read messages carefully, whether you're logged in to your personal or corporate social networking profile; spammers may try to send you messages disguised using a friend’s or colleague’s name.
-If you are a manager for a company of significant size, outline an employee security policy for social site use during work hours.
-Read and frequently check a site's privacy settings so you can make changes to your account as necessary; for instance, some of your previously private info could show up on your Facebook profile.
-Adhere to the "rule of permanence": Act as if everything you put online stays there forever (in reality,your data sticks around longer than you might think, even if you deactivate your accounts).
-Don't feel obliged to constantly "check in" with geographic locations or tweet your Foursquare locale on your mobile device, even if it’s for work purposes; someone might try to take advantage of your frequent travels—this practice leaves your home office vulnerable.
LinkedIn
Earlier this year, LinkedIn rolled out privacy and security updates that modify the user interface. In the Account And Settings page, you’ll find that Profile Settings, Personal Information, Privacy Settings, and other information are grouped into a new dashboard design. The top-left section lists your account info, Inmails, Introductions, and Direct Ads. The bottom section lets you access your profile Privacy Controls (and Settings); Email Preferences; Groups, Companies, & Applications; and Account in a tabulated format. FAQs have been moved to the top-right.
Facebook
Popular social networking site Facebook recently added three new safety tools. Facebook has broadly implemented its Two Factor Authentication feature for computing devices. Anytime you sign into Facebook, the site will ask you to type in a code to
authenticate that you are, in fact, a human, and not an automated response generator.
In addition to Facebook’s current virtual library of safety resources (www.facebook.com/fbsafety), the security team has restructured the Family Safety Center to include articles for parents, teens, educators, and law enforcement. Appropriately enough, Facebook encourages a community-based strategy to protect online friends and family with a “culture of responsibility.”
The newly released social report tool lets a Facebook user report an offensive photo to both Facebook and the offender. If a user clicks the blue Report link under a photo, a dialog box will appear. Under Yes, This Photo Is About Me, you can select I Don’t Like This Photo or This Photo Is Harassing Or Bullying Me. If the photo isn’t directed at you by another user, you will click one of the options listed under No, This Photo Is About Something Else. For example, you could select Spam Or Scam, Graphic Violence, or Hate Symbol and click Continue. Answer the prompts in the subsequent dialog boxes to send a message to Facebook.
Twitter
A few months ago, Twitter added a new security setting that protects your username, password, and personal information from hackers: the ability to use HTTPS (HTTP Secure). By selecting the HTTPS Only option in account settings, Twitter users automatically encrypt their account. If you or your company is among the more than 200 million Twitter account holders out there, you can make this change by clicking
your username when signed in and selecting Settings. Scroll to the bottom of the page and check the Always Use HTTPS box. Click Save and type your password to finalize the changes. In addition to this feature, you can restrict public access to tweets by using the Tweet Privacy option, also found in Settings.