Security Watch: Using Social Media While On Vacation

With summer vacation season right around the corner, here are some social media tips to keep you safe.

Like many things in life, it’s important to “know thy enemy.” And here’s the scary truth: 80% of thieves are using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. So here’s what can you do to keep yourself safe:

1. As tempting as it might be to make your friends jealous by “checking in” at your deluxe resort in the Caribbean, resist the temptation. If you’re in the Caribbean, no one is at home. And criminals know that. They are then free to destroy your home and steal anything valuable. What a way to ruin a vacation!

2. Resist the urge to post pictures too. If you’re relaxing in your hammock, on the beach, with your umbrella drink, your valuables at home now have a bulls-eye on them.

WE LIVE ON THE MOST BORING STREET IN THE WHOLE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHERE NOTHING EVEN REMOTELY DANGEROUS WILL EVER HAPPEN. PERIOD.

– Buzz McAlister, Home Alone

3. Review your privacy settings. Make sure your Facebook posts are set to private. Twitter and Instagram accounts are set to ‘public’ by default. Change these to private too, at least while you’re on vacation.

4. As shocking as this might sound, you could simply unplug yourself for your entire vacation. After a day or two, you might even enjoy not having your phone in your hand every waking hour.

Follow these tips, and let your summer vacation be relaxing!

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