Posting certain photos or information on the site puts you at risk of being fired, a victim of crime, or even worse. There are computer programs called 'data mining' that sweep Facebook to collect dates of birth, phone numbers, addresses etc. Here are the things you should never post on Facebook.
- Date and place of birth: This places you at massive risk of identity theft. They are the most commonly used security questions on password resetting sites.
- Mother's maiden name: A lot of sites use your mother's maiden name to authenticate who you are. They also commonly use the school you went to as a security question.
- Address: It again puts you at risk from identity fraud, but also from burglars and stalkers.
- Holidays: Don’t put any update about your holiday or outing that means you are basically saying: "Come and rob me."
- Short trips away from home: Again, this can put you at risk of burglary and stalking.
- Inappropriate photos: Don't post racy, illicit, offensive or incriminating photos. Bosses and prospective employers are increasingly looking at Facebook pages.
- Confessionals: These can also get you fired or haunt you for the rest of your life.
- Phone number: Unless you want to be bombarded with unsolicited phone calls from people trying to sell you something don't.
- Children's names: These can be used by identity fraudsters or, more sinisterly, by paedophiles. It is much easier to steal a child's identity.
- Don't post a full public profile: It won't just exist on Facebook, it will go on any internet search such as Google. Only give the bare bones such as a name. Keep everything else private.
