Security Online

A screen name is often used for instant messengers, forums, and chat rooms. It is the name that you are known by online, and the purpose is to protect your identity. The concept is very good; unfortunately, most people do not stick to the concept.

First, your screen name should not identify you in anyway. Use of your real name as part of your screen name should be avoided, unless it is unavoidable. In this case, simply do not use the correct spelling of your name. Don’t use numbers that mean anything as part of your screen name. People commonly use birthdates, anniversary dates, zip codes, and phone numbers as part of their screen names. This should not be done, as all of that is identifying information.

Avoid using nicknames that are used in your offline life as well. Again, this can be used to identify you. Your name may be William, but your nickname may be Bill, Billy, Woody, or Willie. Again, these thieves are not stupid. It is their business to know these things, and they can figure out what your real name is if they know what your nickname is.

Another mistake that is commonly made is giving out your real name to people that you commonly chat with. These people are patient. They don’t mind talking and chatting with you for weeks or months in order to get the information that they need to steal your identity. Giving them your real name and location defeats the purpose of having a screen name. You may think that this person has become your friend. If this is the case, make them give you their information first, and check that information out as well as you can before giving out your own name. Otherwise, stick to a screen name that does not identify you personally.