IT Tip: Keep your social networks safe

How secure is your profile on any of the “Big 3” social networks: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn? How do you balance the need for sharing with the need for privacy?

Here are some quick tips for all three networks and a bonus: All three networks offer some form of two-step verification to protect your account from unauthorized logins. Along with a strong password, two-step verification is your best defense against prying eyes.

Facebook
To view and adjust your privacy settings:
1. Click the dropdown menu in the upper-right corner of any Facebook page
2. Select Settings.
3. From the left side of the page, select Privacy.
4. Click a setting (ex: Who can see your future posts?) to edit it

You can also quickly view and adjust some of the most used privacy settings and tools from the Privacy Shortcuts icon at the top right of any Facebook page.

Finally, to control the privacy for posts, photos and other things you share on your Timeline, you can choose your audience when you post.

Twitter
To protect your personal information:
1. Log in to Twitter and click your thumbnail profile image at the top right of the screen.
2. Click Settings.
3. From the left side of the page, select Security and privacy. There are two areas to check:
* Security: Here you can enable login verifications and reset your password.
* Privacy: Here you can choose who can view your Tweets, tag you in photos and more.

LinkedIn
To manage account settings, including activity and information:
1. Log in to LinkedIn and click your thumbnail profile image at the top right of the screen.
2. To the right of Privacy and Settings, click Review.
3. In the Profile section, you can turn on/off your activity broadcasts, select who can see your connections and change visibility.
4. In the Account section, click Security Settings. In this area, you can choose secure connections for browsing and enable two-step verification.