There’s no denying that we’re living in the age of social media. With popular social platforms playing a large role in the daily lives of countless individuals, oversharing has become an all-too-common problem. While social media sites can be effective outlets for making new friends and staying in touch with family members, acquaintances and coworkers, they’re also playgrounds for data thieves, sexual predators and other types of cybercriminal. Unsurprisingly, such individuals make a point of capitalizing on overshares and zeroing in on sensitive information. Anyone looking to preemptively thwart their efforts should adopt the following measures.
Utilize ID Security Software
After your personal information has been compromised, it may be a long time before you discover that something is amiss. In many cases, victims of data theft don’t realize a crime has occurred until they spot suspicious credit card charges or unauthorized bank withdrawals. Needless to say, the longer cybercriminals remain in possession of your confidential info, the more damage they stand to cause. Fortunately, staying on top of this problem is a breeze with dedicated ID security software. As the name suggests, this software serves to monitor your personal identity data and provide you with alerts whenever said data is utilized by third parties. The sooner you become aware of criminal activity, the sooner you can stamp it out. If cutting-edge ID security is what you seek, look no further than https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/forHome/products/id-security.html.
As is the case with other security programs, you’ll need to consistently update your ID software for maximum effectiveness. This means installing updates as they become available instead of letting them pile up. Since these updates are created to combat an expanding assortment of threats, failing to install them in a timely manner leaves you vulnerable.
Consistently Update Social Media Privacy Settings
When we create new accounts on social media platforms, we generally tweak the various privacy settings to our liking. However, unbeknownst to many social media users, this should not be a “one and done” affair. Many popular social media mainstays consistently update their privacy settings, which usually entails adding new privacy options and making changes to existing ones. To ensure that you stay on top of any changes made to the privacy options of your favorite platforms, check their respective settings menus at least once a month. You may be surprised by how much has changed since the last time you adjusted these settings.
Carefully Consider the Ramifications of Each Post
A lack of forethought is among the primary reasons for oversharing online. With the average internet user having 8.6 social media accounts, it’s easy to see why many of us don’t stop and think before firing off a post. Given how many accounts we feel compelled to update on a regular basis, we seldom think twice before sharing sensitive information with scores of followers. However, taking this approach to social media is practically guaranteed to result in the sharing of thoughts and/or images that shouldn’t necessarily be broadcast to the world.
With this in mind, take a minute or two to consider the ramifications of each post you intend to share. Even if a post seems relatively benign at first glance, a closer inspection may reveal the presence of personal info you’d rather not show to a public audience. Additionally, there’s nothing wrong with limiting the number of social media outlets you frequent. The fewer accounts you’re updating, the more thought you’ll be able to put into each post. So, if there are any outlets you don’t particularly enjoy using, getting rid of those accounts can be a weight off your shoulders. For added protection, consider restricting public access to your various accounts.
Given the increasingly prominent role social media plays in our lives, it’s hardly surprising to see oversharing become so commonplace. The desire to share things with friends, family members and other social media followers is certainly understandable. After all, if something good happens in your life, it’s only natural to want other people to be aware of it. However, many of us have grown so accustomed to oversharing that we no longer catch ourselves before posting info that could prove potentially dangerous. Putting the previously discussed tips to good use can help ensure that your private information remains private.
Read Also:
