Here are some tips to help protect yourself when using social media networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter:

• Ensure that each of your computers has updated software installed including operating system, personal firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and a current browser. Use reputable internet tools to scan your browser for known vulnerabilities
• Set the privacy and security settings on your social network accounts to a level that you are comfortable with for information sharing
• Be aware of how much personal information you post on social networking sites. Confidential information should never be shared including date of birth and social security number. A hacker could use this information to steal your identity or access your data
• Do not announce that you are on vacation or away for an extended period of time
• Use strong passwords combining capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols and change your password frequently
• Use different passwords for different accounts; never using the same password for business and personal accounts
• Never click on hyperlinks within a post or text message if it appears suspicious even if it appears to come from a friend. Your friend's account may have been hacked or infected and could now be spreading malware
• Remember, once you post information online it stays online. Protect your reputation by assuming everything you post online is permanent
• Forward any suspicious emails to phishing@mtb.com that appear to be from Wilmington Trust and request that you click on a link to enter your login credentials or personal information