MySpaceSafetyTips.com

If you use MySpace on a public computer, for example at school or in a library, you have to be very careful not to leave the computer configured so someone else can get into your MySpace account. If someone is able to use your account after you leave the computer, they can immediately take over your account, and change, delete, and post anything they’d like. Then, they can change your password, making it impossible for you to log into your account yourself.

Make sure you do the following every time you use a shared public computer:

• Launch a new browser instance and enter www.MySpace.com into the address box
• Make sure the “Remember Me” check box is not checked before you log in
• When you are finished using MySpace, click the “Sign Out” link in the upper right corner
• Close the browser

Performing all of these steps will ensure that you log directly into MySpace.com (some scam sites mimic the MySpace front page in order to steal your login and password) and that when you are finished no one else can access your account on the computer.

If you don’t sign out before you leave the computer and you leave the browser running, someone who starts using the computer after you will be able to change your MySpace pages, delete pictures, postings, and friends, send messages that will appear to have been written by you, etc.

Make sure you sign out whenever you use MySpace on a public computer, and for extra security close the web browser as well.

[Excerpted from the book MySpace Safety: 51 Tips for Teens and Parents.]