Technology is a wonderful thing that few of us could see ourselves doing without and when it comes to personal safety it can be of great benefit. However there can be risks associated with some technology so it pays to take a few precautions to ensure yours works for you, not against you.

How Can Earphones Put You In Danger?

How To Reduce the Risks Try to avoid wearing earphones when walking down the street alone, as this will distract you from your surroundings and you may not see or hear trouble approaching. The sooner you are aware of potential danger the easier it is to avoid it, so it’s important to stay alert and keep an eye (and ear!) on what’s happening around you.

How can your mobile phone put you at risk?

A mobile phone can improve your safety but it can also put you at risk. For example, if you are uneasy about a situation you could text a friend for help. Or you could call a friend/relative to pick you up if you miss the last bus home. On the other hand, getting out an expensive mobile phone at a secluded bus stop may make you a target for thieves. By following a few simple tips, you can avoid using your mobile phone in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 Many people chat on their mobile phone when walking down the street alone because it makes them feel safer. This is not a good idea, as you are more likely to be distracted from your surroundings and will be less likely to notice any potential danger until it is too late to avoid it.  Be careful with phone apps that let others track your location. This information could be used by the wrong person and be used inappropriately.

 Consider using a Pin Code for accessing your phone. This would stop any thief having access to the phone and any personal information saved on it.  If you don’t use a Pin Code, avoid keeping personal information on your phone and make sure you log out of social networks when not using it, otherwise a thief could then access your account.  If your phone is stolen, report it immediately and get it shut down.

How Can Information You Share Online Put You At Risk?

 Don’t give out personal details such as your name, address or phone number (even your mobile number) on the internet.  Check your privacy settings – are you sure that only people you trust can see personal details about you?  Don’t give out your password, even to people you know and trust. (Ex-partners and friends have been known to access people’s accounts, causing them problems and distress.)

 If you share a computer, say ‘no’ if the computer offers to ‘remember your password’. If you say ‘yes’ you would also be giving others access to your personal accounts.  Avoid announcing that you are home alone or that you will be away on holiday on certain dates – therefore letting people know when your home will be empty.  Be aware of who has access to your social network account and what they can see. Bear this in mind when adding information such as current location.

 Don’t add people you don’t know as friends to your social networks, as they - and their friends – will then have access to too much information about you.  Be careful that you don’t fall into the trap of thinking you know people who you ‘meet’ online. You don’t. You only know what they have chosen to tell you. So never agree to meet someone you have only ‘met’ online (including anyone introduced to you on a dating site) unless you have a friend or family member with you or you meet in a busy public place.

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