Tips for Staying Cyber-Safe When Networking Online 

Networking has evolved within the digital age to become a borderless transaction. With online platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, social networking has become an important part of life for both adults and teens. 

As our previous article on LinkedIn Profile Tips notes, connecting with users requires that you sync your contacts through various sources. This two-way transaction means that your information has become accessible as well. 

This may seem like a natural process in order to access the irreplaceable benefits of social networking. However, a little caution can go a long way towards warding off threats of cybercriminal activity like stalking, bullying, identity theft, and hacking. Read on for our tips on staying cyber-safe when engaging in online networking. 

 

Reduce posting personal information online 

For starters, it’s crucial to recognize that the open digital space is not a free zone without boundaries. One seemingly harmless tweet can be the ticket a cybercriminal needs to steal your information for their own gain. A sobering study by Javelin Strategy & Research reports that identity fraud cost Americans $56 billion in 2020. 

Scams via digital payment methods were especially popular during the pandemic, with many criminals targeting digital wallet and peer-to-peer payment methods such as Apple Pay and Zelle. Avoid posting any personal information online that scammers can use to impersonate people in your life through robocalls and phishing emails. 

 

Only provide necessary personal information 

When conversing with online acquaintances or companies, revealing some personal information is expected. This can include your name, email address, or previous jobs. 

Only when you have established trust can you provide more sensitive information like your home address, salary history, or date of birth. Some companies may ask about your citizenship status or driver’s license, but they shouldn’t have the cards on file until you’re officially hired. 

 

Opt for safer digital options 

The dangers of the digital world do not detract from the necessity of online networking in order to maximize your chances of finding connections or a good job. With that, it’s important to look at alternative options. For one, sending your information over SMS or email has the potential to be intercepted by hackers. 

Instead of using these platforms, there are more secure options available for networking. These digital business cards from Doorway keep your information safe because data is transferred via a QR code. This means that all traffic is encrypted in transit via a secure sockets layer (SSL), which protects it from unauthorized snooping, modification, and man-in-the-middle attacks. 

The same principle can apply to other networking transactions like online contracts. Beyond sustainability or convenience, safe online contracts from DocuSign guarantee a higher measure of security with their 256-bit encryption and ISO and SOC certifications. These prioritize third-party vendor risk management and allow for a safe and hassle-free transaction. 

 

Verify who you’re connecting with 

Identity fraud can go both ways, especially when information is easily manipulated online. Make sure that the person you are connecting with online — whether a friend, co-worker, or recruitment manager — is who they say they are. 

With global phenomena like the Great Resignation, data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations shows more than 16,000 victims of employment scams in 2020, with losses of more than $59 million. Here, cybercriminals pose as employers by spoofing company websites, and leverage their position to persuade victims to provide them with personally identifiable information like credit card scores. 

To avoid this, double check with the website of the company that you are applying for and get in contact with their registered human resources. 

With these tips, online networking is no longer a threat, but an opportunity to stay ahead of competitors. For more information on real-life industry experience and market knowledge, read up on our tech trends on IT Resources and maximize your career goals today.