subject: Protecting Your Home Security In The Digital Age [print this page] With all of the new advances in technology created by the digital age, some risks come attached as well. Sure, Americans can communicate faster, more conveniently, more reliably, and from more places than ever. But by sharing so much information, you could inadvertently be putting your personal and home security at risk in more ways than you might realize! Here are some handy tips for keeping yourself safe in the brave new world of the digital age.
1. Check your privacy settings and adjust them.
Most social networking and blogging sites allow you to adjust your privacy settings, and this is something you absolutely need to take advantage of. Many of these sites have the default settings that would allow anyone with access to the Internet to see your profile! Considering how much personal information is shared on these sites, you might easily post something that could end up being a threat to your home security. So check the settings, and make sure you know exactly who is allowed to see what. Generally, the less you share with the world, or even casual acquaintances, the better.
2. Do not post your home address on a social or business networking page.
Actually, do not post your home address anywhere on the Internet, for that matter. If you have just bought your new home, or are excited about your new neighborhood, you might feel compelled to broadcast the new address to the world. But unfortunately, this is just stupid, and puts your home security at great risk. You have no idea who will now be able to access this information be it a creepy ex-romantic partner, a vengeful coworker, or a juvenile delinquent. Even if you limit who can access this information via your privacy settings, as recommended above, people can still hack accounts either yours, or those of your friends. It is better to avoid the situation all together and just not post the information in the first place.
3. Never mention when you are going out of town.
A simple statement such as this has gotten many unsuspecting people in trouble. Announcing over Twitter that you are going to Albuquerque for the week lets everyone in your network and possibly beyond (see the above two tips) know that your house in San Francisco will be vacant the entire time! Even if you have a home alarm system, this does not prevent people from trying to break in in the first place, potentially doing damage to your property like smashing in a window or maybe even snatching a few electronics or expensive pieces of jewelry before the police come. So once again, this is a situation in which silence is your friend. Maybe send a group email or message to a few people you would like to know about your vacation if you are really bursting at the seems to tell people about your trip to New Mexico, but making general announcements like a Facebook status update is downright foolish, and can really threaten your home security.
