If I use social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook, how can I protect my personal information?

Social sites such as Facebook and MySpace allow users to meet new people, share pictures and information, and interact with others in online communities. The popularity of these sites continues to rise; however, unfortunately, so does the risk of information misuse.

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) suggests the following:

• Use sound judgment when it comes to the information you choose to share with others online, for example:
  
  
  • Avoid providing personal information that can be used for identity theft, such as your Social Security number, your birthdate (instead, say you are in your early twenties), your full address (instead, give only the city name), or your mother's maiden name.
  • Avoid providing information that would allow a person to stalk you, such as your full address (instead, give only the city name), your class schedule (instead, state only your major), or your telephone number.
  
  
• Remember that the Internet is a public resource and anyone can see what you post. In addition, web pages are routinely archived, so don't assume a picture or information is completely deleted from the Internet if you've removed it from an active site. Always think twice about what you post, and what's posted about you.
  
  
• As a precaution against ill-intentioned strangers or people who misrepresent themselves, restrict who can view your information.
  
  
• Be skeptical of the information you read about others.
  
  
• Read and understand the privacy policy of the site, and be aware of how your information can be used.

For more, see Staying Safe on Social Network Sites.

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