USERS of social networking sites are being warned about the risks they take with a new government-backed campaign which is coming to the city this week.
The Get Safe Online intiative is urging the 11m who use sites such as Facebook, mySpace and Bebo not to reveal too much personal information about themselves.
It is also bringing the campaign to Manchester this Thursday with a travelling roadshow offering independent, expert advice on safe surfing.
As well as revealing that a quarter of social network users could be at risk, Get Safe Online’s research also showed eight million people leave home wireless networks unprotected against intruders.
More than half of the over-65s polled use a single password for every website they visit, the group said and urges people to change their passwords more often.
And the risks can be very real.
Tony Neate, managing director of GetSafeOnline.org, advises:
“The popularity of social networking and other sites means that we are much more open about ourselves and our lives online.
“Although some of these details may seem harmless, they actually provide rich pickings for criminals. Your date of birth and where you live is enough for someone to set up a credit card in your name.
“So whilst most people wouldn’t give this information to a stranger in real life, they will happily post it online where people they don’t know can see it.”
There’s more information about staying safe on the website and the campaign will be in Manchester on Thursday, November 15 at the following locations:
11am -12pm Workshop for staff – Age Concern Manchester, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW
2pm – 3pm Workshop – UK Online Centre, Networks Centre, First Floor, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD
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