Where Am I? - Internet Basics

4.2. Social Security

Email is still one of the most common ways to inadvertently download a virus or other malware on to your computer.  Never click on a hyperlink or an attachment sent within an email from someone you do not know.  If the link has the .exe suffix, do not open it even if it comes from someone you know because it is likely a virus that has been sent to you by impersonating someone in your contacts list.  (You can always email your friend and ask them if they sent such a file).

Social networks (eg. Facebook®, Twitter®) can collect large amounts of data about you and your contacts and then share it with advertisers and other third parties.  Always take the time to read the privacy information about these sites.  You are usually permitted to shut off much of this personal data collection but you have to go into the application’s security settings and adjust them yourself.  Change these passwords frequently to reduce the chance of identity theft.

Be cautious of providing too much personal information to any website.  Only provide what is required to obtain an account.