Posts on social media could be damaging the job prospects of around a third of job seekers, according to a survey by Kaspersky.
David Emm, principal security researcher at the internet security vendor, said that while some posts can be deleted, the content can always resurface and have damaging effects.
“It’s therefore wise to limit the amount of information shared on these platforms and use the highest privacy settings available to limit who can view our information,” Emm said.
In Kaspersky’s survey, 32% of respondents in the UK, including 47% of those at graduate or entry-level stages of their working lives, said social media could be harming their careers.
Additionally, 40% said things they’d done online in the past could have an adverse effect on their future employment.
“Data reveals that historic social media usage affects even the most senior employees, with half of directors admitting that it has had a negative impact,” the cybersecurity vendor said.
Kaspersky, maker of online security software including Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security, said that users should visit its Shareaware Hub to learn about safer practices online — such as how to use Facebook privacy settings and tools to manage personal data.
Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online, said users should check, edit and even delete recent posts that might be misinterpreted or seen negatively.
“You could also consider updating your privacy settings so only certain friends can access your posts, helping to provide a screen between your social life and your job,” Neate suggested.
Kaspersky’s Right to be Forgotten report examined European consumer attitudes towards their online profiles and ‘virtual selves’. It found that many people aren’t fully aware of how data about them is dealt with long term.
“Twenty-seven percent aren’t aware what happens to their online presence after death, while almost a fifth (19%) assume all of their social media accounts will automatically be deleted for good,” according to the report.
