Safety Tips for Writers Online

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

Writers have many different tools and responsibilities. One of those is reaching readers online. But with that comes exposure to those with unsavory motives and plans. So how is a writer to stay safe while building a platform? Here are some safety tips to put into place and minimize your risk.

Here are some tips to help writers stay safe online: 

• Be Wise. I cannot emphasize this one strongly enough. If someone makes you uncomfortable, act on your feelings. 
“Have you heard the rumors your fiend is spreading about you?” or “This is a hilarious video just uploaded about 
you.” Stop. Think. Then DON’T click that link! 


• Assume it’s a lie. Awhile back, I got an email from an online company 
confirming a large purchase with my credit card. I knew I hadn’t made any purchases, but still had to fight the urge to panic. My gut response was to reply to the email. Thankfully, I took a step back and looked more closely at the email. I noticed several things that made me suspicious. I immediately did an online search for scams involving that company and came up with pages of recent victims. I contacted the company directly (not through the info in their email) and confirmed the email was a ruse to steal my information. 


• Never give out sensitive information. Let me repeat, NEVER GIVE OUT SENSITIVE INFORMATION! Companies don’t ask for bank account info, passwords or other information over the internet. First, if you’re a customer, they already have all of your information they need. Keeping up with personal passwords is a liability for companies. 


• Stop believing that ANYTHING on Social Media is private. First, it’s not. I run my social media life with one rule: If I wouldn’t share the post on a billboard in my home town, I do NOT share it on social media. 

• Never share personal data while you’re on a public Wi-Fi. This includes logging into sites when you must type in a password. It’s okay to bring up a site you’re already logged into, but NEVER type a password in a public place. Not only is it a risk, but it’s so easy to counterfeit a public Wi-Fi and make it look legitimate. 

• Use two-level authentication whenever possible. 
For instance, when I log into my Google account from a new device or new location, I receive a text message with an additional code I must type in. This has saved me so many times. A lot of networks and platforms offer this option and I always sign up for it. It may seem frustrating when you’re in a hurry, but do it anyway. The truth is, when we’re rushed is the time when we’re not paying attention and we’re often more vulnerable

• Have a different password for EVERY site you’re on. And change your passwords every six months. I know you don’t want to hear it, but I cannot emphasize this strong enough. Your password must be different for every account you have. That can seem overwhelming. If you’re like me you probably have dozens of accounts, so how can we keep up with all those passwords? Trust me, it’s not with sticky notes or a file on your computer. Every single time I share this information, someone confesses that they have a file on their computer and no one will know it’s there because it’s labeled INFO or something similar. 

To make this workable, find a digital password keeper with an app. My personal choice is LastPass, I use the paid version with Family Sharing, but the free version is great too.

• Look for 36-bit encryption
• Recommendations from people you trust
• Online articles from reputable sites

Now let's look deeper at what to do when things do go south!

What should you do when something makes you uncomfortable? 

The biggest thing is do NOT be tempted to be polite when you’re worried. This is similar to following your instincts in that we often push down our uncomfortable feelings for the sake of being polite. If someone is tweeting to you, sending you repeated Facebook messages, or contacting you in any way that makes you uncomfortable, don’t ignore your feelings.

• First, if appropriate, confront the person making you uncomfortable and request they respect your boundaries. 

• Next, If they don’t adhere to your guidelines, immediately block them from the social media networks where they are contacting you. 
• 
Finally, report them to the social media network(s) where the infraction occurred.

These are the things I do to stay safe online, what are some of your best tips? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Blessings,

Edie

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.