How to Protect Your Personal Information on MySpace

MySpace, the largest social networking site online, is fun and user-friendly. Most likely, you, your friends, family and coworkers all have MySpace pages. However, you should be conscious of what information you post. Your personal information can be compromised easily if you do not take steps to protect it. Follow these steps to learn how to protect your personal information on MySpace:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• MySpace account
• Computer

1. Keep your personal information to yourself. It is never a good idea to include your full name, birthdate, place of birth, address, phone number, IM screen name, social security number or account numbers on your profile page, emails, instant messages or blog on MySpace.
2. Cover your tracks. If you are using a public computer or workstation to access your MySpace account, delete temporary Internet files and cookies when you are done. This will prevent anyone from recovering passwords or other information.
3. Install anti-spyware software on your computer. Spyware is software that gets installed without your knowledge and can monitor your activities. You can find free anti-spyware software online. Use it regularly and delete any spyware you find.
4. Use your firewall. Many operating systems have a built-in firewall. Make sure you turn it on and update it as needed. Using your firewall will stop hackers from accessing your personal information.
5. Be careful about who you communicate with on MySpace. It is easy for users to impersonate whoever they want in an attempt to gain your personal information. Know exactly with whom you are communicating before you reveal anything.
6. Do not post photos or information on MySpace that you don’t want the world to see. This information is accessible to the public and can be viewed by teachers, police, potential employers and college admissions.
7. Check out MySpace privacy policies. Find out what personal information MySpace collects, uses or provides to third parties.
8. Change the settings in your Web browser. Open your Internet options (under the tools menu) to use built-in security features and increase your security settings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you come across a survey on MySpace asking for your full name, date of birth and place of birth, do not post the answers to those questions on your MySpace page.
• If you feel you have accidentally given your personal information to a hacker or other questionable party, go to the Federal Trade Commission's Web site (see link below) and file a complaint.
• Beware of phishing scams. Phishing is when hackers try to get your personal information, such as your username, password, or financial information by pretending to be a trusted site. This could be in the form of an email or pop-up window asking you to verify your information.