Social networking isn’t just social. You also need to consider your privacy and personal protection.

Guard Your Reputation

• Many employers check social network sites before hiring.
• Closely manage who can access your accounts and what they can see.

Stay Legal

• Your online posts can get you into legal trouble.
• Be sure to conduct yourself online as you would face-to-face.
• Be civil.

Be Security Conscious

• It’s increasingly possible to connect your online activities with your real-life identity.
• To combat spam, phishing, cyberbullying, stalking, and sexual predators, be very careful about your privacy settings.
• Before you install applications and widgets, be aware that they might change your privacy settings.
• The more “they” know about you, the more vulnerable you are.

Take Action Now

• Review all of your privacy settings (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, web browsers).
• Always use a computer that is protected by an antivirus product. See NC State Antivirus Resources.
• View Social Media resources:
  • StaySafeOnline.org
  • EDUCAUSE Review: Managing Your Online Reputation
  • SANS Securing the Human OUCH! Security Awareness newsletter
  • US-CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team): Staying Safe on Networking Sites
  • Top Tips to Protect Your Privacy and Data (PDF).