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1st April
2008
TYCOM
OFFERS ADVICE ON THE SAFE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
Social
networking sites such as Bebo and Facebook, which have
millions of users and continue to expand, may be
perceived as harmless but Fife IT firm tycom believes the
reality is that the online security of users may be at risk.
Identity
fraud and the possibility of losing your job are just two of the
dangers of using the sites, according to tycom, which opened
its office in Dunfermline's Pitreavie Business Park in 2005 to
help service the growing number of clients in the Fife area.
Popular
networking sites have risen to prominence in recent years but there
can be serious implications from divulging information on them.
Many
users will post photographs and personal information which may be
accessible to anyone on these sites, including criminals and
employers.
Bruce
Gunn, tycom’s Business Solutions Manager, said: “We advise anyone
using these sites not to post anything online which they would not
write on a postcard – something which can be seen by all.
“By
posting personal information online in this way it leaves the user
open to infiltration by criminals who can use this information in
potentially damaging ways.”
Although
posting personal information and pictures may seem risk-free,
potential and current employers are using this as evidence against
employees and it can often endanger job opportunities.
“Employers
use these sites as a way of tracking their employees in their
everyday life. If people are willing to post pictures while out
drinking, or sometimes worse, then they leave themselves open to
repercussions from their employers,” said Bruce.
There
is also the more sinister risk of online grooming through
networking sites. Users can simply create an online profile which
does not have to be a true representation of themselves.
Bruce
perceives the risk as very high and has advice for those choosing
to utilise the sites.
“The
risk to youngsters on these sites is very worrying. It takes just minutes
to set up a profile which can lull a viewer into a false sense of
security and from this relationships can be built.
“We
would advise anyone using these sites to keep all personal
information private and to approach them with the utmost caution.
“Many
organisations have set restrictions on access to these sites which
is recommended but for those choosing to use them we would suggest
keeping profiles private and not disclosing any information which
may give away personal details or which may be used in harmful
ways.”
In addition to bespoke software designed for an
individual organisation, tycom offers the probity® range, which includes financial accounting,
construction, plant hire, oil and gas and payroll applications; Bureau Payroll; capability
core®, which records staff training and certification history; prosperity® CRM software,
for accurate record keeping on all sales activity and
prospecting of new customers ; and
e-competence Energy, a new system for storing and verifying offshore workers'
evidence of competence, developed with the Scottish Qualifications
Authority.
For
more information and advice, visit www.tycom.co.uk
or call 01383 432555.
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