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Social networking is immensely powerful and is here for the long run, but

we must learn to harness and control it. Here are five things you need to know

about how to protect your privacy on social networks.

Just because you're cautious, don't assume you're in the clear. The

the biggest error people make is thinking that being cautious removes all risk.

Most of the harm we see across all ages is caused by stuff that other people

post about you, sometimes even without your knowledge. You can always be

identified and auto-tagged! To take control, set up alerts with your name,

monitor social networks and ask your friends and network to keep you

informed.

Be careful about third-party apps. There are hundreds of third-party apps on

social networks and smartphones that transmits detailed personal

information to the companies that make them. You may enjoy playing with

some of the apps, but it is best to maintain privacy control and use them

judiciously. Allowing companies to access your Twitter and Facebook

account, which is what you do when you download an app, could also result

in personal data being shared - not just for advertising, but even to your

healthcare company.

Don't overshare. It's tempting to boast via your online megaphone that you're

off on a beach retreat! Or that you've gained 15 pounds after the holidays! But

if you do so, you may well be handing over your life's keys. This information is

now known to be used by home intruders, insurance companies, health care

provides employers, etc.

Resist accepting all friend and follower requests. When starting out on a

social network. it's tempting to accept every friend or follow request that you

receive. On Twitter specifically, if you don't have your tweets protected,

anyone will be able to follow you and see your updates. The basic thumb rule

is to only accept request from friends and family. This will help avoid

strangers having access to your profile information and becoming a victim of

social status jacking.

Work out your privacy settings. Repeat. Set your privacy setting to the

maximum level on the social network. By doing so, you have more control as who

can and who cannot post on your wall or follow you. Thus you are more in

control whether or not, outsiders can access your personal information and

important data