Oversharing Online : Hazards of loose privacy

Good morning!

Today we’re diving into the risks of oversharing and exposing a little too much online.

Sharing our lives on the internet has become second nature. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and online communities offer us the opportunity to connect and communicate like never before. However, it's important to recognize the fine line between staying connected and oversharing. Let’s talk about it…

We often underestimate how casually we divulge personal information on the internet. When we share details about our daily routines, such as our work hours, gym visits, or favorite coffee shops, we create a predictable pattern that threat actors can exploit. These seemingly innocent actions can have serious consequences.

Real-World Examples:

The Bling Ring Heists

Remember the infamous "Bling Ring"? This group of young criminals used celebrities' oversharing habits to pinpoint when they'd be away from home. Thanks to social media updates, they knew when stars like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan would be out of town, making them easy targets for burglaries. Fun fact, they actually made a movie about this in 2013, starring Emma Watson.

Pop Smoke’s Demise

Rapper Pop Smoke, whose real name was Bashar Barakah Jackson, is a real-life example of the potential dangers of oversharing on the internet. Pop Smoke was an up-and-coming artist known for his distinctive voice, who tragically lost his life in February 2020.

In Pop Smoke's case, he uploaded a video of his home to social media, that allowed his attackers to pinpoint his location just 4 hours later. He frequently shared posts on platforms like Instagram, displaying expensive jewelry, and a lavish lifestyle. Criminals used this information to target him in his Hollywood Hills home. They broke in, and a confrontation resulted in Pop Smoke's untimely death at the age of 20.

How to safeguard your digital presence:

1. Limit Personal Information: Be mindful of what you share online. Avoid revealing your full name, birthdate, workplace or phone number in public posts.

2. Stay Alert to Phishing: Because so much information about us is out there, it’s very easy to curate data and plan targeted social engineering attacks. Reducing the amount of personal data available online minimizes the potential target area for cyberattacks.

3. Adjust Privacy Settings: Make sure you understand who can see your posts, photos, and personal information. Limit access to trusted individuals, and be cautious about sharing with the public.

4. Delay Posting: Rather than sharing your location or activities in real-time, consider posting with a delay. This way, you're not broadcasting your whereabouts to the world in real-time, reducing the risk of being tracked.

A little privacy goes a long way

Sharing your life on social media may seem harmless, but the consequences can be dire. We hope this morning’s read serves as a reminder to safeguard your personal information and use the internet wisely. Your digital safety is in your hands, and we're here to help you make informed decisions.

Practice privacy & Don't Get Got!

P.S. Your experiences matter. If you've encountered a scam/hack or have insights to share, we invite you to connect with us. Let's build a community that stands against cyber threats.

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