7 Social Media Safety Tips for Your Homeowners Association

Social media has many benefits. It allows you to maintain connections with friends and neighbors in your homeowners association, make new contacts, build support networks, express yourself, and share your interests. However, information should be shared with caution to protect yourself and your family. Learn more in the tips below.

1.  Your personal information should be just that—personal

As hackers become more and more sophisticated, identity theft becomes a greater risk. While it may be tempting to post pictures of your fabulous vacation, bear in mind that you’re also letting others know you’re away from home, making you vulnerable to a break in – even in a homeowners association.

2.  Use privacy and security settings to limit who can see what you share online

You wouldn’t give details of your private life to complete strangers in person, so don’t do it online either.

3.  Remember that what you post online will stay online, so consider the long-term consequences

Could your social media presence prevent you from securing a job in the future? Would you want your coworkers to see this side of you?

4.  Let your social network know your boundaries

For example, if you don’t want images of yourself or your children posted online, let your friends and family members know.

5.  Know what to do if someone is making you feel unsafe online

Some steps you can take include blocking the offender, reporting the person to the site administrator and removing him or her from your friends list.

6.  Social media doesn’t just spread information, it can also spread viruses and other risks to your computer

Defend your system by using the latest security software, web browser and installing updates regularly.

7.  Protect your social media accounts by using password best practices

Long combinations of letters, numbers and symbols are the most secure, and separate passwords should be used for each account.

In general, being mindful of your social media accounts is like being mindful of your home. You want to feel safe and trust your community. It’s even similar to taking the time to meet your homeowners association neighbors so that you know who surrounds your home. If you can be conscious of social media as you are conscious of protecting your home, you may feel more at ease at the end of your day.

Safety should be a priority in your Association. Learn more about what you can do in the related articles below:

Tips from an HOA Board: 6 Ways Members Can Be Crime Stoppers

5 Safety Tips When Homeowners Association Members Are Out of Town