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Cyber Series: Social Networking – Friend or Foe?

In this blog post, Rampart Group will take a look at social networking and how our desire to be transparent and share information can be risky business. We will also look at some common threats and steps we can take to be a responsible social networker.

Social networking serves multiple purposes

Social networks such as chat rooms, forums, discussion groups, emails and instant messaging all serve as places where we “connect” with others online.  Here are some of the benefits:

*People “connect” and share information online with great ease
*The increase in the use of mobile devices makes connecting much easier and more frequent
*We use social networks to build our business, promote our business and for professional networking purposes
*We participate in social networks to discuss issues and solve problems
*We use social networks to share photos, sell items and promote events
*We share our hobbies, locations, and interests

Sharing information can be risky business

Social networks, by their very nature, encourage users to give up a degree of personal information that would normally not be given up in a face-to-face meeting.

So what are the risks?

1. 1. Social networks create a false sense of security
   2. Social networks provide a sense of anonymity
   3. Others are reading our comments when we talk to friends
   4. Malicious people are drawn to social networks
   5. Attacks can spread malicious code, compromise our computer, and access personal information about our identify, location and contact information
   6. Others can post positive or negative information about you

What are the personal and professional implications of social networking?

You risk professional opportunities, personal relationships, and your safety by posting certain types of information on social networks. Here are a few areas that can be negatively impacted:

1. 1. Business Data: Discussing information about company activities, intellectual property, HR issues, customers, mergers, and acquisitions can be damaging to a  company’s reputation, create unwanted liabilities and impact competitive advantage.
   2. Professional Reputation: Inappropriate language and/or photos could negatively impact jobs and career aspirations if unprofessionalism is exhibited through social networking actions. HR personnel often look to Facebook and other social networking sites to screen job applicants.
   3. Personal Reputations: By revealing your location, you can jeopardize your personal security.  If you indicate you are away from home, malicious persons may see that you are not at home, leaving your family and belongings vulnerable.  Children and young adults who share their name, school, activities and whereabouts risk their personal safety.

What can I do to remain safe while using social networks? 

1. 1. Be a responsible social network user
   2. Proceed with caution
   3. Be proactive by protecting your computer, mobile device, personal information and business data
   4. Protect your connections by limiting the personal information you reveal about them

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.