Laura Kankaala, Threat Intelligence Lead at online security software provider F-Secure (F-Secure)
The way most people use social media puts them at risk of identity fraud and home burglaries, an expert warns.
Laura Kankaala, threat intelligence lead at online security software provider F-Secure, told there are six things she would never post on social media.
This includes photos of her house keys, pictures of kids from back to school, or anything that can identify places she visits regularly — like her morning jog.
Photos taken near my home or that share my location
Kankalaa warned that it’s very easy to accidentally give out your address on social media.
She said: “I avoid taking and posting photos in and around my home that could give away where I live. Important landmarks and recognizable businesses and buildings can allow someone with bad intentions to get an accurate picture of where you live.”
“Even something seemingly innocent like a fire station or a supermarket can provide important waypoints.”
“Another opportunity to avoid is sharing a map of your run, hike or bike ride, especially if you started from home, as doing so can easily reveal your address.”
“Also note that some social media apps have location sharing, like Snapchat, BeReal, and Facebook.”
“It’s easy to forget this setting is on, so I recommend turning it off.”
Photos of my house keys or plane tickets
Sharing your plane tickets is dangerous
Posting a photo of your house key after buying a house may seem harmless, but it carries risks, as does posting plane tickets (although details like passport numbers can be revealed).
Kankalaa said, “One trend that’s popular with new homeowners is to take a picture of their keychain, which they might leave dangling on their doorstep to proudly announce their new purchase.”
“That’s a big no for me.” Depending on the type of lock, it’s technically possible to 3D print a duplicate key from a photo. So if you don’t want to have uninvited guests, I’ll keep the keys out of reach.”
Posting airline tickets online can expose your personal information – or make it easier for malicious pranksters to cancel your airline ticket – as a “hoax”.
Photos of children going back to school
It’s now popular to post pictures of children on the doorstep going back to school – but doing so can reveal personal information about both your child and where your home is located.
Kankalaa said: “When schools return, it’s popular with parents to put up pictures of their children in recognizable uniform outside their door, with a prominent house number.”
“I would think carefully about posting this online and at least blurring out the ID and house number.”
photos at work
It’s very easy to give away private information about one’s workplace that could be exploited by cybercriminals, Kankalaa warned.
“Maybe you want to show the world that you work really hard, or maybe you’ve found a cool coffee shop and are there to take a picture of your laptop/device over coffee.” But it’s also an easy way to unintentionally leak confidential information reveal to your screen.
“Smartphone cameras these days produce such high-quality photos that someone could easily zoom in on your shot and read the contents of your email or your work dashboard.” The same is true when you’re logged into personal email. If you really want to share such a photo, first lock your device screen.
Photos of other people without their consent
It’s worth thinking about before posting: do the other people in that picture or video want to be there?
Kankalaa said, “Many of us have a habit of sharing photos of friends online, but how often do you ask permission first?” Assuming everyone’s circumstances are the same, it could get someone else in trouble.
“To put it more simply, someone may have contracted an illness at work, but unfortunately, there can be darker circumstances as well.”
“Someone could be in an abusive relationship; For example, a photo shared online could put them at risk.” It may seem overcautious, but asking, “Do you mind if I post this picture of us online?” is exercise and good manners.