FightCyberstalking.org - Online Safety Tips: Privacy Settings and Safety Tips for Socializing on Twitter

 

Cyberstalking victims can indeed use Twitter and feel safe and secure by using some of Twitter's privacy settings. In this article we will share a few privacy settings that Twitter users can utilize so that they're getting the maximum privacy.

 

The first step new users to the community can take is editing their profile information.

To do this, simply login and click on "Settings."

 

Next, click on "Profile."

 

Here you can change your first and last name if you'd like to. Note: If you use your first and last name on your Twitter profile, your full name along with your Twitter account will get indexed in the major search engines.

Next, edit your location. You don't have to use your real location if you don't feel comfortable. You can simply use your country.

When adding your website's URL, keep in mind that it may get indexed in the search engines. If your cyberstalker KNOWS any websites you own and is tracking you carefully, he could find you using Twitter by simply doing a link search on one of the search engines or a back link checker.

After you have edited your profile information, don't forget to click "Save."

If your cyberstalker has your email address, there is a possible way for him to find you if you're using a certain setting on Twitter. You'll want to make sure this setting is left unchecked. To do this, simply go back to the "Settings" page.

Make sure that the box is left unchecked. Click "Save" to save the setting.

 

While in the "Settings" page, scroll down and make sure that "Tweet Location" is left unchecked. If you check this feature people will be able to view the location information like neighborhood, town, or exact point when you tweet.

Underneath the "Tweet Location" you'll find the "Tweet Privacy" feature, you can use this feature if you don't want your tweets viewed by the general public. If you approve a new follower, he or she will be able to view your tweets. This is a great feature because you control who you want to interact with and who can view your tweets. Check this setting to protect your tweets; otherwise, the general public will be able to see your tweets.

If you do get harassed on Twitter you can block the person and report them to Twitter. To block a person on Twitter, visit the person's profile and click "Block."

To report a violation on Twitter, you'll need to click on "Help" and then submit a ticket on Twitter's support page.

 

Click on "Report a violation."

 

You can also go directly to http://support.twitter.com/tickets/ to open a help ticket.

 

Twitter Safety Tips

To socialize and navigate on the Twitter community safely, you'll want to:

• Avoid clicking on redirect links from users you don't trust. Usually redirect links are from spammers who will attempt to redirect you to a virus! Make sure you only click on links from users you know and trust.
• Be extremely cautious when it comes to revealing any personal information publically, such as your email address, phone number, home address, and your work address.
• Change your Twitter password often and don't use the same password on any other websites.
• Always make sure you're visiting the real Twitter.com. Check the URL in your browser & make sure it begins with http://www.twitter.com.
• As an extra precaution, you can use RoboForm to login, store, and create passwords securely for you.