RAP Tests
We all love social media. It's a fantastic way to share life's big moments and stay connected with friends and family. From birthday celebrations to vacation snapshots, we post our lives online for the world to see. But what you might not realize is that every little detail you share—from the perfect birthday selfie to the "out of office" vacation post—can be a goldmine for criminals. The information you post online can be a blueprint for identity theft and a security risk to your physical home and even your workplace.
The Problem with Public Pasts
Think about the information you’ve shared over the years on sites like Facebook and Twitter. A post from your birthday might include your birth date and the year you were born. A fun quiz might ask for your mother’s maiden name or the name of your first pet. While these seem harmless, they are often the exact same questions used for security on your bank account or other private information. Criminals are experts at piecing together these seemingly random tidbits of information to build a comprehensive profile of you. Once they have enough information, they can bypass security questions, reset your passwords, and gain access to your accounts.
Here’s a simple checklist of things to think twice about posting:
- Your Birth Date and Age: This is a key piece of information for identity thieves. It's often used to verify your identity.
- Security Question Answers: Never give away information like your mother's maiden name, your first pet's name, or your high school's mascot. These are common security questions for a reason.
- Digits from State-Issued IDs: A celebratory photo of your new driver's license or passport is a dream come true for an identity thief. Even a partial view of these documents can be dangerous.
- Your Location in Real Time: Checking in at the airport or posting a picture from the beach the minute you get there is a huge mistake. It tells everyone that your home is empty, making it an easy target for burglars. It’s always best to post vacation photos after you’ve returned home safely.
- Workplace Information: Be careful about sharing confidential work details or even sensitive photos that might show private information in the background. Criminals can use this to try and gain unauthorized access to your organization's private data through social engineering attacks.
Taking Control of Your Digital Footprint
You don't have to quit social media to be safe. It's all about being more mindful of what you're sharing and who you're sharing it with.
- Adjust Your Privacy Settings: Go through your settings and make sure your profile is private. Restrict who can see your posts and photos to "Friends Only" or a more limited group.
- Avoid Over-sharing: Before you post something, stop and ask yourself: "Does a potential identity thief need this information?" If the answer is yes, don't post it.
- Be Selective with Friends: Only accept friend requests from people you actually know in real life. Fake profiles are a common tactic used by scammers to gain access to your personal information and your network.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a different, complex password for each of your social media accounts, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting, but it’s a double-edged sword. By being more cautious about what you post, you can enjoy all the benefits of social media while keeping yourself, and your loved ones, safe from harm.
