By the UTHSC Information Security Team

What is Online Social Media – Social Network?

Social media can be best described as websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

Online SOCIAL Networking = Social Web

Ask yourself…

 Have you ever checked your virtual identity?  Do you know that you leave a digital footprint every time you get online?  Do you know that whatever you do online is accumulated into a digital dossier traceable by others ?

 Have you ever Googled yourself ?

Your digital footprint, your responsibility

 A digital footprint is the collection of all the traces you leave in electronic environments as you use or move through them.  Some is content you actively volunteer—like your Facebook profile. Other material is passive—the cookies a site stores in your browser, the content your district collects about your use of their equipment, etc.  All this data can be aggregated to build a profile of you and your behavior.

Be mindful of how people

search for information in the age of technology.

!

will find you!

Google Yourself!

Social Media Ranks Highly

Are you aware of job applicant and current supervisors screen employees using social networks?

Why is social media and professionalism so important?

 It is 2015!

 Current and former employers have admitted to doing a google search using an employee’s name. And then proceed to browse that employee’s social media account(s).

 If an individual has intentions on being acquainted with you in the near or far future, most likely, they will google you prior to the initial meeting (e.g. job prospects, potential associates, etc.)

Confidential Information or Data

 Posting confidential information and/or data on your social media page or account WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT is professionally irresponsible.

 Your employer, clients and connections all trust you to keep certain information private.

 Confidential Information and Data includes SSNs, addresses, names, identifying descriptions, photos, emails, web addresses, account number, and other personally identifiable information.

 If you post confidential information or data on your social media account, you may face job terminations, monetary fines, and/or jail time.

Foul or Offensive language

 Post like you would want to be spoken to and with professionalism.

 Refrain from posts that may be viewed as discriminatory.  Such posts may be viewed as bullying.

Online Debating

 Try to steer clear of debating with your online associates.

 When you post a comment in reference to a status or initial post, that post become a part of your digital footprint and can also be found via search.

 If you must partake in an online debate, do so in a private message inbox.

Oversharing

 All information is not meant to be shared.

 Beware of friends of friends, of friends.

 Pictures can be downloaded.

 Screenshots.

Posts Seen by Supervisor and/or Co-worker(s)

Refrain from speaking about work.

 This is a common sin among most employees these days.

 Many turn to social media to express their feelings towards work. As the saying goes, less talk, less mistakes.  If you are maintaining a personal profile, this may be fine for as long as you choose the friends who can read your posts.  Never ever post something that is actually addressed to someone you cannot speak with upfront. This will cause more trouble than you think.



Posts and Professionalism

Post statements you would feel comfortable sharing with your boss or clients in person. Before you make any comment or post, consider how you’d feel if your boss or clients read what you’ve authored.

 Re-read each comment or post to ensure it is not offensive or contains offensive language. Even innuendos may be enough to cause people to think twice about your character, so take care.

 Avoid sharing emotionally, religiously or politically charged statements. If you wouldn't do this in the workplace, don't do it online either. Don’t make statements that could offend or turn off other people.  Steer clear of getting on your soap box about political candidates, religions or starting emotionally charged arguments or heated discussions. All of this can lead to disappointment down the career track.

What if Social Media is a vital part of your job?

    Use social networks according to your department and UTHSC guidelines Post no more than the minimal amount of information necessary Get written and/or documented approval before posting Communications an Marketing is a great source in regards to posting online while representing the University

Privacy Settings



Mind your privacy

If you are using social media sites such as the ever-popular Facebook, be sure to set the privacy settings accordingly.  If you think you can contain yourself all the time and remain professional in all your posts, stay public.  However, you cannot control tagged statuses and photos of your friends, so change the privacy settings of tagged items.  Do not be afraid to untag yourself to something inappropriate.  You must also be careful about your comments.

 If you can set the settings in such a way that they are not seen by people who should not read them, change them.

Choose between one or separate profile.

      This will depend upon the nature of your work or business. If you are an entrepreneur who would want to reach as many customers as you want, you can have a separate profile solely for professional use.

As much as possible, maintain proper conduct by posting only information related to the business. If maintaining two separate accounts is difficult for you, you can still benefit from using a single profile for all your social accounts because you can be easily recalled by your prospects. If you think you cannot control yourself at times, be sure to make your posts as witty as possible. You can still post an opinion and get away with it if you do it cleverly.

It is the key professional networking tool

the corporate office the water cooler the staff canteen the bar

PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST!!!

If you are posting anywhere on the internet, be careful what you post.

Once you post, it is out of your control. This includes videos, which can easily be downloaded and reposted.

Summary

         Social networking sites differ from one another the same way that people have different reasons why they use them. Maintaining professionalism and dignity should not only concern ordinary employees, service-oriented individuals and businessmen.

As a responsible Internet user, each of us has the responsibility to present ourselves in the most appropriate manner if we want to be respected.

Check and raise your privacy settings on Facebook Create secure passwords and lock your phone Don’t disclose personal information Be careful what you share and who you share it with Free Speech is a constitutional right, but always check with UTHSC Human Resources about our social media policies. Most importantly, THINK and REVIEW before you post!

Lastly, if you are in doubt about posting on social media, contact your UTHSC Information Security Team.

FUN Facts

• 6 Reasons Social Media Got People Fired • 10 people who learned social media can get you fired • 17 People Who Were Fired For Using Facebook

QUESTIONS???

UTHSC Information Security Team

Frank Davison [email protected]

(901) 448-1260 Jessica McMorris [email protected]

(901) 448-1579 L. Kevin Watson [email protected]

(901) 448-7010 Ammar Ammar [email protected]

(901) 448-2163 • Information Security Email: [email protected]

• Website: security.uthsc.edu

• To report phishing and spam email forward it to [email protected]

• UTHSC Help Desk: (901) 448-2222 ext. 1 or [email protected]