6 Degrees of Information and Your Photo Fate - Internet Privacy & Security

Key Terms

• scam: noun - an attempt to trick someone, usually with the intention of stealing money or private information
• identity theft: noun - a type of crime in which your private information is stolen and used for criminal activity
• vulnerable: adjective - in a position that makes it easier for you to be harmed or attacked
• phishing: verb - when people send you phony emails, pop-up messages, social media messages, texts, calls, or links to fake websites in order to hook you into giving out your personal and financial information
• malware: noun - software intended to damage a computer, mobile device,  or computer network, or to take partial control over its operation

Most teens know that it's unwise to share personal data online, especially Social Security numbers which can be used for identity theft.  Credit card information should never be shared. Teens also know not to use real names or post addresses, and phone numbers online. However, anyone can be vulnerable to online scams or "phishing". Don't respond to online requests for personal information, links to fake websites, requests for money, texts, or emails from people you don't know. It’s also good to question online messages or posts from friends that seem out of character for them, which is a warning sign that their accounts have been hacked and are being used to forward malicious content. Sometimes opening these messages or links can infect your computer with "malware" or viruses.

Another reason to be careful with private information is possible identity theft. Identity thieves look for “clean” Social Security numbers that haven’t yet been used to get credit. They target teens and kids, who often have Social Security numbers that have no credit history yet. Identity thieves might sell or use these numbers, which would allow someone else to get a credit card or loan and build up debt under your name. 

Even if you are careful about giving out information directly, be aware that if you use multiple social networking apps like Facebook or Instagram, there may be more clues to your offline identity than you realize. It's also very easy for information to spread online since many posts can be copied, forwarded, and shared. Try Googling yourself and you might be surprised. 

Watch: "6 Degrees of Information"  to see five teens discover how much information an Internet researcher is able to find about them online with only 6 clicks, starting from Facebook.

• Identify - which teen do you resemble most in the way you post and share information about yourself?