- Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger
The Marines recently soldiers prohibited welfare media sites such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. This is for two reasons. First, because they fear the lack of security of these sites can allow malware to infiltrate government computers. And secondly, they are concerned about the possibility of military data leak. Soldiers are often forbidden to inform friends and family of their location or mission, regardless of whether they are communicating with handwritten letters, email or telephone. These measures are necessary to prevent leakage that would hamper the tasks and soldier safety.
There is no surprise they have now banned social media. I recently realized Sir John Sawers, the incoming head of MI6, the British equivalent of the CIA. His wife posted sensitive personal information on his Facebook page, including the address of the London apartment of the couple and the location of their children and Sir John's parents. Military personnel should held to a higher standard. We're talking about national security, and we can not risk leaks that could endanger life.
Anyone who thinks this is absurd need only watch sports for confirmation of why this type of communication should be banned. Every time I watch a baseball game or football when I see coaches talk to the players, or the pitcher to talk to the recipient, they cover their mouth with a hand, glove or paperwork. Why? Because there are thousands of "Lipstick" readers watch the event who are happy to report that we have just said, to give the opponent an advantage. You would think that after all these years covering the mouth, lip readers would simply give up. But no, this is not the case at all. There's always someone watching, waiting, hoping someone will screw up so they can give the other team an advantage.
Today, social media gives scammers an advantage. Someone is always watching and waiting for an opportunity. Social media is built on trust. Fraudsters can use this trust to gather information that could be used in password attacks. If you forget your password and have to reset it, the answers to several security issues may already be available in your profile. And in many cases, the default privacy settings allow profiles open to everyone.
security professionals were able to create a virus called ZombieSmiles who gains control of the victim's browser and allows the hacker to access supposedly private data via the Facebook API, including friends, groups, wall displays and applications. Facebook applications allow a third party to access your data, opening the Pandora's box of possibilities for hackers. So if you send me a Facebook application and I refuse, it is not because I'm rude, it is because I think that the potential risks outweigh the benefits simply. No offense. I just do not want my identity stolen.
If you let your kids use social media, you need to monitor their activities. McAfee offers family protection software that allows you to take control of Internet use of your children. If you use social media, take advantage of privacy settings and lock your profile so that only approved contacts can see your information. Consider getting a credit freeze. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. This makes your Social Security number useless to a potential identity thief. And invest in identity theft protection. All forms of protection against identity theft can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk.
Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses a Facebook hack on CNN.
Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, an expert on identity theft, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 and start-up companies as a consultant on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. the thoughts and advice of Siciliano on all these issues often appear in both television and print media news, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of safety training as a member of the American Society for Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on high alert; How to take control of your personal safety and to prevent fraud . He also established a partnership with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness of the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.