Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content

Technology Services

Online Tips

Now more than ever, consumers spend increasing amounts of time on the Internet. With every social media account you sign up for, every picture you post, and status you update, you are sharing information about yourself with the world.

Did you know?

3.48 billion people worldwide now use social media worldwide. That’s an increase of 9% from 2018. Put another way 45% of the total world population are using social networks.
Digital consumers spend nearly 2.5 hours on social networks and social messaging every day.
69% of U.S. adults use at least one social media site and the average American has 7.1 social media accounts.


Source: National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS)

Quick Tips

Always think before you share. (Count to 10 before you hit “send” or “post”.)
Tell yourself: “There is no delete button on the Internet.”
Everything you put on the Internet is permanent, it can be seen by everyone.

 

Think about replacing playful e-mail addresses with something professional.
Post positive items and accomplishments for college recruiters and possible employers to see.
Be respectful of the photos and information you post about friends, ask for the same courtesy back.


If you are responsible for a campus-affiliated social media account, visit the university's Brand Style Guide and find guiding principles to keep your accounts effective and on brand.

Protect Yourself From "Doxxing"

Doxxing refers to the collection of a user’s private information, across multiple platforms (including social media) by an unauthorized individual, who then publishes the information in an attempt to shame or embarrass the user. Doxxing may be conducted by researching public databases, hacking, or through social engineering. The term "doxxing" is derived from the phrase "dropping dox (documents)".  
Doxxing often involves hackers attempting to embarrass or shame individuals by publishing confidential information, images or videos obtained from their personal accounts.  Initially, doxxing was used by hackers to "out" the identities of fellow bad actors/hackers. However, more recently, it has been used to attack users with opposing viewpoints.

Review and adjust your social media settings:

  • Ensure that your profiles, usernames/handles are kept private
  • Remove any addresses, places of work, and specific locations from your accounts
  • Set your posts to “friends only"
  • Avoid discussing personal information that could be used against you, as well as anything that can identify your address, workplace or contact information

Use secure wi-fi networks such as eduroam, and/or a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) available free to students.

  • If you must use public wi-fi, turn off the public network sharing functionality on your device

Strengthen your account security:

  • Use strong, unique passwords—especially for key accounts like email, banking, and government services
  • Avoid using the same username across multiple platforms
  • Consider creating a separate email address for critical accounts

If you own a website, hide domain registration information from WHOIS (a database of all registered domain names on the web).

Monitor your online presence:

  • Rafael Villegas in the Privacy Office can help direct campus community members to assistance for managing a doxxing incident.
  • If the information exposed is FERPA protected student data, personally identifiable information (examples include, but are not limited to Social Security Number, Drivers License Number, or home address), and/or information pertaining to physical or mental health conditions, it should be reported to the Privacy Office, privacyoffice@mail.fresnostate.edu.
  • If the incident involves unauthorized access to Fresno State electronic accounts or resources, report to security@mail.fresnostate.edu.
  • Information inappropriately shared on campus network resources should also be reported to security@mail.fresnostate.edu.

General reporting for incidents and acts contrary to our Principles of Community: Visit the Human Resources website.