Methods to counter attack privacy issues Realize the threats always exist There are people out there who want and will do just about anything to get someone s private information It s essential to realize that it s difficult to keep your privacy secured all the time Be thorough all the times Always log out It is dangerous to keep your device logging on since other may have access to your social profiles while you are not paying attention Keep your full name and address to yourself Children s safety may be at risk if their parents post their whereabouts in a site where others know who their real identities are Know the sites Read the social media site s fine print Many sites push its users to agree to terms that are best for the sites not the users Users should be aware about the terms in case of emergency Make Sure Site Is Safe Before Sharing Information Users shouldn t be sharing information if they don t know who are using the websites since their credit card number names and address could be exposed to other users of the site Familiar with the privacy protection provided Users should take the extra time to get to know the privacy protection systems of various social networks they are or will be using Only friends should be allowed to access their information Turn on privacy settings to select who can see what in your profile Protect the devices Encrypt devices The users should use complex password on their computers and cell phones and changes them from time to time This will protect users information in the case that these devices are stolen Keep a clean machine Others would be able to use viruses and other ways to invade a user s computer if he or she installed something not safe Cautious about taking actions The users privacy may be threatened by any actions Following actions needs special attention 1 Adding a new friend Facebook reports 8 7 of its total profiles are fake A user should be sure about who the person is before after it as a new friend 2 Clicking on links Many links which looks attractable like gift cards are specially designed by suspects Clicking on these links may result in losing personal information or money 3 Think twice about posting revealing photos A revealing photo would attract attention of potential criminals