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 theft and home burglaries, an expert warns.
Laura Kankaala, Threat Intelligence Lead at online security software vendor F-Secure, told DailyMail.com there are six things she would never post on social media.
They include photos of her house keys, back to school photos of kids, or anything else that can identify places she frequents, like her morning run.
Photos taken near my home or that share my location
It’s very easy to accidentally give away your home address on social media, Kankalaa warned.
She said, “I avoid taking and posting photos in and around my home that could reveal where I live, major landmarks, and recognizable shops and buildings that would allow someone with malicious intent to form an accurate picture of where you live.
“Even something seemingly innocuous like a fire station or convenience store can provide important waypoints.
Another one to avoid is sharing a map of your run, walk, or bike ride, especially if you started from home, as it can easily reveal your address.
Also keep in mind that some social media apps share location, such as 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 airline tickets is dangerous
Posting a photo of your house keys after buying a house may seem innocent enough, but it carries risks, as does posting airline tickets (which can give away details like passport numbers).
Kankalaa said: ‘A trend popular with new homeowners is to take a picture of their bunch of keys, perhaps dangling outside their front door, proudly announcing their new purchase.
This is a big no for me. Depending on the type of lock, it is technically possible to 3D print a copy of keys based on a photo. So if you don’t want uninvited guests, I’d keep the keys out of harm’s way.’
Posting airline tickets online can expose your personal information – or make it easy for malicious pranksters to cancel your airline ticket as a “joke.”
Photos of children going back to school
It’s become popular to post photos of children on the curb going back to school – but doing so may reveal personal details about your child and where your home is located.
Kankalaa said: ‘With schools returning, it is popular for parents to post pictures of their children in recognizable uniform outside their doors with a clearly visible house number.
“I’d think hard about putting this online, at least fade the badge and house number.”
Photos in the workplace
It’s very easy to give away private information about your workplace that can be exploited by cybercriminals, Kankalaa warned.
“Maybe you want to show the world that you work really hard or maybe you found a cool coffee shop and take a picture of your laptop/device on the spot, with a cup of coffee. But it’s also an easy way to inadvertently expose sensitive information on your screen.
“Smartphone cameras today take such high-quality photos that someone can easily zoom in on your shot and read the contents of your emails or work dashboard. The same goes for when you’re signed up for personal emails. If you really want to share a photo like that, lock your device’s screen first.’
Photos of other people without their permission
It’s worth thinking before you post: do the other people in this image or video want to be there?
Kankalaa said, “Many of us are in the habit of sharing photos of friends online, but how often do you ask permission to do so? Assuming everyone’s circumstances are the same, someone else could get in trouble.
On a lighter note, someone may have pulled a sick at work, but unfortunately there can be darker circumstances.
“Someone may be in an abusive relationship; for example, a photo shared online could put them in danger.” It may seem overly cautious, but asking “Do you mind if I post this picture of us online?” is both good practice and good manners.