ABC World News took a look at the “Twitter Christmas” in this report about how retail companies are using social media resources like Twitter and Facebook to reach out to the public.

I had a chance to speak about our own @Twelpforce in the report, as I answered incoming tweets while on-camera.

I had an opportunity this morning to speak with Bill Wills on WTAM 1100 AM this morning about ways to protect yourself while doing your holiday shopping online this year.

Listen Here: security tips for online holiday shopping

Some general tips:

• Use Protected Wireless – Anytime you’re accessing a website where your credit card or banking information is being used, be aware that there’s the potential for others on that network to “listen in”. If you’re using your home wireless network, make sure it’s secured. If you’re on a public wifi network, like in a coffee shop, avoid sites requiring sensitive information whenever possible.
• Change Your Password Regularly – It’s human nature to use the same password for every site. While it’s easier to remember, it’s also easier for someone with access to your information on one website to access another, so try to use different passwords for each site if possible. Also, consider changing your passwords every six months, if not more frequently.
• Beware Holiday Spam – Spammers have holiday gifts to buy too, so they’re going to increase the number of scams they send out via email or social media websites. Be wary of opening attachments or clicking on links from people you don’t know.
• Keep Your Security Software Current – Make sure your antivirus and antispyware programs are up to date and scanning your system for unwanted malicious software on at least a weekly basis.

Forget Waldo, can you spot the Meister?

An update to the Xbox 360 software today made available a few new services for Xbox Live users. Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm all now have apps in the My Community tab

Personally, I’m not sure how often I’ll use the new features, if only because they don’t offer quite the number of features more mature Facebook and Twitter clients have on other platforms.

For those of us already on Twitter, it’ll certainly help make the service even more popular with the general public, which may or may not be a good thing.

Still, it’s an interesting upgrade for players looking to keep up with their friends and family’s social media content, all without leaving the couch. 

My dog is no doubt planning her revenge for taking this photo.