The current Facebook data scandal makes it very clear that it makes sense not to leave every piece of information about yourself online!

As an Internet user, you should think carefully about what you reveal about yourself and where on the Internet and what you share and post where. The Federal Office for Information Security provides tips on this topic for safe use of social networks!

The Federal Office for Information Security offers tips on how to become safer when using social networks.

Be cautious about disclosing personal information!

Not everything you know about yourself other people need to know. Critically check which private data you want to make “public”. For example, consider that more and more employers are researching information about applicants on the Internet. Headhunters, insurance companies or landlords could also be interested in such background information.

Find out about the general terms and conditions and data protection regulations of the social network you use!

You should familiarize yourself with both thoroughly – before you create a profile. Be sure to use the social network's available options, with which the information and images you have posted are only "visible" to a limited extent: Should only your friends have access to it, or should your friends' friends also have access to it, or should all users have access to it?

Be selective in contact requests - criminals “collect” friends to harm people!

For people you don't know in the "real" world, you should carefully consider whether you want to add them to your friends list. The unknown person could also have malicious intentions. For example, criminals could spy on when your apartment is empty. “False profiles” have been proven to be used to harm people – be it for revenge, greed or other motives.

Report “cyberstalkers” who contact you unsolicited and persistently via the social network.

You can usually contact the operator of the respective social network directly. They can investigate the matter and, if necessary, delete the dubious profile. In serious cases, you should also inform the police for criminal prosecution.

Use a different and secure password for each internet application, especially if you are logged in to different social networks!

But also be aware that your data is stored on third-party computers. This means that the security of your data depends not only on you, but also on the operators of the social network: if their server is hacked, your data will no longer be secure. If abuse becomes known, inform your friends too.

Do not reveal confidential information about your employer and your work!

Professional information has no place on social networks. Industrial spies have also discovered social networks and are trying to siphon off valuable information there. This can cost your company money and you the job.

Check critically what rights you grant the operators of social networks to the images, texts and information you post!

No service without a price: the ticket to social networks costs you the disclosure of information. Many companies are willing to pay money for this data in order to be able to send targeted advertising. If you give social networks the rights to your images, they can theoretically be resold by the operators. Also check whether the granted right of use may remain intact if you delete your profile.

If you receive “dubious” requests from acquaintances, ask outside social networks about the trustworthiness of this message!

Identity theft is a risk of the digital age. A stranger can use a hacked account to take over the identity of the account holder and deceive his friends. For example, scammers can send messages describing an emergency situation and asking for financial help. With the help of the acquired knowledge about the stolen identity, trustworthiness can be reinforced.

Don't click on links randomly - social networks are increasingly being used to carry out phishing!

A link is quickly clicked. But be careful: the target address could be a fake homepage of a social network. If you enter your username and password there, the data will be forwarded directly to the fraudsters. Particularly popular with such attacks are so-called short URLs , where the user cannot recognize the actual target address.

Talk to your children about their activities on social networks and educate them about the dangers!

Many children and young people are often not aware of the dangers lurking on social networks - they often prefer fun over safety. Strengthening “media literacy” is a new task that parents have to take on when raising children. But you should also discuss risks and concerns with other family members and friends.

The internet doesn't forget anything

Information you spread via social networks stays online forever. Even if you delete your account, it is almost impossible to remove links and comments on other profiles. So don't post any information that might make you regret it later.

IT security is data security: An important part of data protection is that you generally protect your computer from unwanted attackers. You can use our checklist to check whether you have taken all the necessary measures for basic protection


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )