Part 1 of 2; Your Social Networks
Personal information is more available, and we give it out freely. I’m like any modern American. I have an iPhone, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Linkedin, Blog, Google+, Web site, and e-mails. You need to learn how to use your security/privacy settings.
Facebook is the most popular and drives me the craziest. It always changes, so keep an eye on it. Anyone on Facebook can see your profile name and picture. Everything else you can control, including things you post. Check out this link to read more about Facebook security features. PC World did a good overview of advanced settings and 10 things to look out for on Facebook. Or what I do is simply not post anything that I wouldn’t want others to see.
I like Twitter. It’s so much simpler. It’s old-school open source. Whatever you put on Twitter, everyone can see. Don’t post anything personal you wouldn’t give to the world. Your current location may be the most dangerous thing to give out. Be careful.
Linkedin is something I have, but don’t use a lot. I have an automatic system that updates from my Facebook account. People can still send me direct messages, or the like. Check out the setting here and know what people can see and what you are posting. Don’t put your complete address or Social Security Number on Linkedin. A company doesn’t need that information until they are going to hire you or do a background check.
Google+ is the new kid on the block. I kind of like it and hope it keeps going. Their big thing is you can create groups of people to talk to and to listen to. Just remember Google likes information. They get as much information as they can and then sell it for advertising. Google is generally not malicious, but kind of creepy when you think about it. Check out your own Google profile here.
Flickr is only dangerous if you are posting drunken pictures of yourself. Most companies will now do a Google search on you before they hire you. So don’t make the crazy photos public. Also look at the tags your camera is putting on the pictures. If you use your iPhone it automatically tags your photos with data, time, and location. If you post them directly to Flickr people can easly get the tag info from them.
If you want to know what the web knows about you, Google your name, or check out Zaba Search.
The bottom line with everything on the web, don’t post things you don’t want others to know. Think about your personal situation and who might be after you as to what you are posting. A single Mom in a bitter custody dispute should not be posting where she is or “I just dropped my kid off at …” from her mobile phone. When I was working in Iraq, I didn’t post anything. I was a dreaded security contractor and had an automatic price on my head from things Blackwater did while I was there.
Think before you post.
Stay Safe,
Ben
A background check is done if you are applying for a job. Companies run a screening to verify your identity and check if all the information in your resume is correct.