Today, it is impossible to be in an online “safety vault”. We do business online, we shop online, we market online, we are encouraged to reach out and network with peers, friends and customers. But how do we protect our information online? How do we protect our business online? How do we reduce online threats and increase productivity?
In a residential or personal setting, it is critical to pay attention to applications like Facebook who recently announced that they would change their privacy policy to allow sharing of personal information with “partners”. What does this mean to you? It means that your personal information (the information you choose to post online at your facebook profile) will be shared with Facebook partners, affiliates etc…Does this worry you? Well bottom line is we all need to think about what we put online, and know that once it is posted online it is no longer private and can even open you up to malware or viruses.
Now what can you do about it? Well there are a few things. First we are not suggesting you stop using the internet altogether, it is a great tool and you should take advantage of it.
Facebook users should change the settings…
1) Go to Account > Application settings > review what applications you have opted to provide your information to.
2) Go to Account > Privacy Settings > Applications and Websites > What your Friends can share about you > we suggest you uncheck all boxes here.
3) Go to Account > Privacy Settings > Applications and Websites > Instant personalization pilot program > we suggest you uncheck this box too.
For businesses it is important to set up employee manuals and Manage Internet traffic to optimize network bandwidth, employee productivity and protect your network from unwanted content. To learn more about protecting your privacy and your network contact us – we can help you set up your entire network to increase productivity, limit legal liability, limit spyware attacks and so much more.