Think twice about sharing your info
CHESHIRE Constabulary has supported Get Safe Online Week by asking people to beware of what is shared online.
New research produced for last month’s Get Safe Online Week has revealed that the nation is constanly heading towards fraud. The problem is so severe that 21 people are targeted every minute as a result of unwittingly ‘oversharing’ on social media.
Despite half the nation falling victim to fraud due to oversharing, a quarter (26%) didn’t realise they’d been targeted, one in five (22%) did nothing, and almost a third of those polled (32%) just ignored it. Part of the problem is that people are still unclear as to what oversharing online is and the dangers associated, which include identity fraud, theft and privacy invasion.
The data also revealed that ‘the nation is all about validation’, as a quarter (23%) of those surveyed stated they use social media to show off about their holidays, on in five (20%) use it to let connections know about life milestones such as buying a house and one in 10 (11%) use their profiles to brag about their newest purchase or to project a fantasy version of who they wish they were.
While it seems harmless, a location tag alerts people to an unoccupied home and repeated loca- tion sharing could encourage predatory behaviour. This behaviour might be why half the population (46%) has received new followers or a follow request from strangers.
To tackle the issue, online safety experts have teamed up with an army of influencers including James McVey, Mark Ferris and Matthew Wright who are sharing their personal oversharing experiences on Instagram with #bewareofwhatyoushare
Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, said: “People are increasingly oversharing on social media and apps without thinking about the consequences, which is why we’re reminding you that you don’t always have to give everything about yourself away on social media or your apps. Seemingly harmless posts, photos and details in your profile could actually leave your privacy exposed.
“An innocent location check-in or a photo of your new driving licence for example could be invaluable to criminals, who are expert at putting together snippets about you to build a bigger picture with a view to defrauding you or stealing your identity.
“Think through not just what you’re sharing but who you’re sharing it with.
“For instance, if you have an open social media account, you’re sharing with the whole world, not just with the people in your own groups.
“Even if it’s set to private, you can’t be sure it hasn’t been passed on.
“For your own privacy and safety’s sake, some things are better kept offline or private, so always be aware of what you share.”
Top five risks to be aware of: ● Different social media channels might require different levels of privacy. For example, Facebook settings should be on private as the way we use the platform is different to Twitter or Instagram where the platforms are more suitable to being open. ● When you enter personal details to a website or app, always check terms and conditions, and even then be careful about agreeing to others knowing personal details. ● Posting and sharing photos of when away on holiday or business could be signalling that a home is empty. Today’s burglars are as social media savvy as anyone else. ● Turn off location services in app settings mobile devices: including social media apps, cameras and any others that might reveal location. This isn’t just about privacy, but also personal safety. ● Think twice about posts and photos. Driving licences, passports, some letters and other documents contain sensitive information that are needed to prove ID
To find out more on how to take better precautions, visit facebook.com/ GetSafeOnline or @GetSafeOnline on Twitter.
Or, join the social movement and post a #beawareofwhatyoushare image to help to raise awareness.
The Government’s Cyber Aware campaign provides advice on how to stay protected online.
Visit cyberaware.gov.uk to learn about the simple steps people can take to stay cyber secure.