Cumbria Police now have a presence on some of the main social networking sites. This is so people can find out the latest news through different channels if they wish.
www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice
www.twitter.com/cumbriapolice
www.youtube.com/cumbriapolice
Staying Safe on Social Network Sites
Social networking sites have continued to get more and more popular particularly among teenagers and young adults. The nature of these sites can introduce security risks, so certain precautions should be taken.
The sites rely on connections and communication, so they encourage you to provide a certain amount of personal information. When deciding how much information to reveal, people may not exercise the same amount of caution as they would when meeting someone in person because:
- the internet provides a sense of anonymity
- the lack of physical interaction provides a false sense of security
- Information is targeted for friends, and it’s often forgetten that others may see
- they want to offer insights to impress potential friends or associates
While the majority of people using these sites do not pose a threat, malicious people may be drawn to them because of the accessibility and amount of personal information available on them.
The more information malicious people have about you, the easier it is for them to take advantage. Predators may form relationships online and then convince unsuspecting individuals to meet them in person – This could lead to a dangerous situation.
How can you protect yourself?
Limit the amount of personal information you post - Do not post information that would make you vulnerable (e.g., your address, information about your schedule or routine)
Remember that the internet is a public resource - Only post information you are comfortable with anyone seeing. This includes information in your profile and in blogs and other forums.
Be wary of strangers - The internet makes it easy for people to misrepresent their identities and motives.
Be skeptical - Don't believe everything you read online. People may post false or misleading information about various topics, including their own identities.
Check privacy policies - Some sites may share information such as email addresses or user preferences with other companies.