Safe Internet Alliance

We've written often about the security risks that users face when they publish too much personal information about themselves on social networking sites, but what about their own personal brand? According to Reputation Defender, a new member of the Safe Internet Alliance, what we share on these sites has further implications other than protecting ourselves from cyber criminals. We also need to be protected from ourselves:

For instance, in a survey released by Microsoft, 40 percent of hiring managers said their decision to hire someone was influenced by text written about the candidate online by colleagues and work acquaintances. The same survey, released Thursday, showed that 70 percent of those managers said they did not hire someone because of information they found about the candidate online.

“It’s associated branding -- if you are even associated with people who adhered to a certain lifestyle that someone doesn’t like, that could hurt you,” Fertik said.

Incidentally, these warnings come a day after both the US and Europe recognized Data Privacy Day. According to its website, the day "an international celebration of the dignity of the individual expressed through personal information."

The day's official sponsors include Microsoft, Intel, and AT&T, and several organizations held events worldwide. For instance, New York Governor Governor David Paterson issued a proclamation recognizing the day in his state.

"More than 1.1 million records of New York State residents were impacted by over 400 data breaches in 2009, highlighting the need for vigilance among all entities that handle personal identifiable information in our State,” said Governor Paterson. “We are committed to providing important information and resources to help businesses avoid data breaches, and assisting thousands of consumers who have fallen victim to identity theft."

Microsoft also took part in the observance, including partnering with the Future of Privacy Forum, an event that included speakers from the Federal Trade Commission, CATO, iKeepSafe, Reputation Defender, and Safe Internet’s president, Linda Criddle.

But not all information we share on the Internet is bad. As Reputation Defender's Michael Fertik argued, "instead of recoiling, users should think of the Web and all the data that is being collected from their digital footprints as opportunities ... users should think of social networks such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook as opportunities to friend people who will reflect well on them."