"Balancing Privacy and Security..."

Privacy and security are two concepts that typically go hand in hand. For the most part, if you are private, meaning if you keep quiet and avoid telling or showing others personal details, then you will most likely feel secure. However, in the internet age, privacy is harder and harder to maintain.

Firstly, internet socializing sites such as facebook or myspace have opened the door for the individual to the entire world. At the very least, a complete stranger can access your full name through a site such as facebook, and is usually accompanied by a picture unless you set your "privacy settings" to the most secure, private setting available. If you set no privacy restrictions, then not just your name and picture will be shown, but also your full profile. This includes wall posts, also known as public messages on your homepage from others, as well as pictures of you that have been uploaded. I find this to be a bit dangerous in terms of one's security, as someone could theoretically stalk someone through facebook, and find pertinent information easily. This information could be as broad as what school you attend, to as specific as your age, inner circle of friends, family members, location of residence, place of work, daily schedule/routine, etc. This is why it is important to filter the people you allow to access this vital information, and not allow strangers to view your personal details, even if they are on the internet.

Aside from these potential risks of exposing details to people who wish harm on us, I don't think facebook is inherently dangerous or bad. You just have to be aware of who you add as a friend, and also don't post information such as your residence or your place of work. I think this tip is especially crucial for women, who are often the victims of stalking. It is better to keep some things off of your online profile in order to maintain security and safety.

Other potential hazards that people now face are fraud and identity theft through online sources. This is an aspect that cannot really be helped, other than for the obvious precautions. Only give credit card, social security, or other personal information to authorized personnel or businesses. For example, I'm not going to give my credit card information to buy something online from a website I've never heard of and that doesn't have proof of secure transactions. This is a simple step to avoid being taken advantage of, and getting your credit card information stolen, potentially wreaking havoc on your savings and economic situation. It is better to be overly analytical and critical of someone or something that asks for personal information than to be duped because of naivete. One must make careful decisions when exposing personal information.

Although the internet allows constant feeds of information about people from all over the world, sometimes it is best to keep some information to yourself. There is nothing to be afraid of if you make your decisions carefully and try to keep personal information safe by avoiding fraudulent websites, and by omitting personal information from social networking sites. If one is weary of strangers and the unknown in person, then one should also apply this rationale to their online-life as well.