September is REALTOR® Safety Month but hopefully, safety is not something you think about only once a year.  As things speed up, it is easy to let good online and technology safety habits drop down on your list of priorities.  Here are some tips for staying safe on social media and guarding your reputation online. 

Reputation is more than just you.  Take the time to set up a social media policy for your 

office, spelling what is appropriate and what is not.

Beware of single sign-on.  More and more websites allow you to use your Facebook, Twitter rather than having to register separately.  While a time-and memory-saver, such features often allow these third-party sites to post on your behalf, access your contacts or track your online activity.  Take the extra time to register independently. 

Viruses and spyware have moved from email to apps, to links in social media and to streaming video. These days, malware can infect your smartphone as well as your laptop.  So, before you click on a link or install an app, make sure it is coming from a legitimate source.

Privacy settings.  Probably the most important way to keep yourself out of trouble is to periodically review your privacy and security settings.  Websites are constantly tweaking their options and adding features that make the previously obscure readily searchable.  Sign out of your account and then search for yourself.  You might be sharing more than you expect.  

The Top Ten Professional Women to be honored at this year's awards luncheon (as listed in alphabetical order by last name) are:

• Kathy Cromwell, MSW, LCSW, CT, Director of Center for Grief & Healing and Angel Babies at Hinds Hospice
• Lisa M. Gamoian, Fresno County District Attorney's Office
• Liz Harrison, Emmy-Winning News Anchor at ABC 30
• Deborah J. Ikeda, Campus President for Clovis Community College Center
• Karlene Kay Ryan, Owner of Karlene Ryan Interiors
• Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Fresno State
• Barbara L. Thomas, Retired Educator/Principal and Board Member of Educational Employees Credit Union
• Jan Thomas, Owner of Jan Thomas Swim School
• Mary Van Ness, Executive Vice President at Fresno Association of Realtors
• Lisa Weigant, MA, Chief Executive Officer at Promesa Behavioral Health