Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
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Security & Social Media Advertise You're Away from Home? I Don't Think So By Peter Grant PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS SOUGHT OUT WAYS to be more efficient, communicate more effectively, be faster and reach others. With technological advancement over the years, we have succeeded in every aspect of that desire. A click of a button allows us to communicate with an undisclosed number of people. We do it daily without thinking if we should, or what the cost is to us as individuals. The onset of the Internet, smartphones and social- media outlets has left few places in this world that one might consider private. You can look up nearly anyone you want online, search for people on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.), or even YouTube. With the exception of organizations that do gather the majority of our public information, most personal information is put out there by individuals themselves. There was a time when our biggest concern about going on vacation was making sure the mail was up, not to mention calling at different times of the day. They leave a package on your front door step, just to see if you pick it up. They will ride by to see what lights are on and if they change each day But you do not realize that you have made it even easier for them. Nowadays, you do not even have to leave your home. Unknowingly, you will send crooks all the information they need, and not just from vacation, but also from your daily activities. People are so quick to constantly update where they are and what they are doing that they often don't think about who reads it. With the exception of organizations that do gather the majority of our public information, most personal information is put out there by individuals themselves. stopped, the newspaper was canceled and someone mowed the lawn. Piles of newspapers at the end of the driveway, a full mailbox, an unkempt yard and a car that has not moved in days — those were the signs that let the roving burgler know you were out of town. It screamed, "Look at me, I'm an empty house with valuables inside." Now, people have access to your home phone number with a simple click of a button. They can (and will) call your house to see if you answer or an answering machine picks FALL 2012 The onset of the Internet, smartphones and social-media outlets has left few places in this world that one might consider private. You can look up nearly anyone you want online, search for people on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.), or even YouTube. There are safeguards that you can take such as security settings, limiting your friend group and only texting/emailing one person. But exactly how safe is that 3G or 4G network you are using? There is no need for the world to know where you are at every step of your life, especially when you are on vacation (until you return). Tell a family member and/or a neighbor to watch your house while you are gone in case of an emergency. It is unnecessary to post it to Facebook, Twitter, Myspace or YouTube. Giving strangers access to your location at any given time opens yourself up to becoming a victim of a crime. Keeping yourself safe is the priority. Leave the bragging for when you get back. BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 47