I will tell only a few methods of "social hacking", as well as common user error, just as an example, so you can do the right generalizations themselves.
Nickname
Do not choose simple (like 123456, qwerty, ttttttt) or association (like 12061986 - your birthday) or "meaningful" (like kattykat - your name) passwords. All this type of passwords has been calculated and collected in special programs databases. Because they are relatively few, the attacker soon gets to the right by brute force with the help of the program. Good password should at least match the letters and numbers in different registers and have no meaning. It is desirable, of course, that you were able to do it at the same time to remember.
Pay attention on questions
If stranger in chats casually asks you weird questions like "What name of your dog" or maybe "what's your mother's maiden name" - remember, if you ever have to answer such questions when registering your mail, where these questions was "secret." This interest should at least alert. After all, in such a way to crack the soap it is very simple. To extract from all the information you have, "social hacker" is sent to the address specified in your application form and clicks on the link "forgot password?" He offered to introduce a secret answer - and he does it, mentally thank you for talkativeness. After that, the correct answer to the question makes him the owner of your mail.
Often "new friend" invites you to see "interesting link."
Indeed, on this page some information there. But you are unaware that in addition to interesting information on this page are "lies" spy program that is being implemented through the browser on your computer and begins to transmit interesting information from your computer directly to a computer of intruder. My advice - if you do not set good antivirals, which is able to intercept the virus being introduced and there is a firewall that prohibits spyware connects strangers with your computer - do not go on links sent by chat strangers in general.