Why should I avoid over sharing information online?

Avoiding oversharing information online is crucial for several reasons:

1. Protecting Against Identity Theft:

• Explanation: Oversharing personal details such as your full name, birthdate, address, and phone number can provide cybercriminals with enough information to steal your identity. Identity thieves use this information to open credit accounts, apply for loans, and commit other fraudulent activities in your name.
• Sources:
• Federal Trade Commission – Protecting Personal Information
• Identity Theft Resource Center – How Social Media Can Lead to Identity Theft

2. Avoiding Financial Fraud:

• Explanation: Sharing financial information or even seemingly harmless details about your lifestyle can make you a target for financial scams and fraud. Scammers can use information about your spending habits, travel plans, or job details to tailor attacks and gain your trust.
• Sources:
• Experian – How Social Media Can Impact Your Financial Security
• Norton – Protecting Your Financial Information

3. Ensuring Personal Safety:

• Explanation: Publicly sharing your location, travel plans, or daily routines can put your physical safety at risk. It can make it easier for stalkers or burglars to track your movements and know when you are not at home.
• Sources:
• National Cyber Security Centre – Social Media Privacy
• StaySafeOnline – Personal Safety Online

4. Maintaining Privacy and Professional Reputation:

• Explanation: Information shared online can be permanent and may affect your professional and personal reputation. Employers and colleagues can access your social media profiles, and inappropriate or overly personal content can negatively impact job prospects and professional relationships.
• Sources:
• CareerBuilder – How Social Media Can Help (Or Hurt) You in Your Job Search
• Forbes – Why Your Social Media Profile Matters

5. Preventing Data Breaches:

• Explanation: Personal information shared online can be used to answer security questions and gain unauthorized access to other accounts, leading to data breaches. Keeping personal details private helps protect against broader security risks.
• Sources:
• CNET – How to Protect Your Personal Data From Social Media Hacks

Best Practices to Avoid Oversharing:

1. Limit the Information You Share:

• Avoid posting sensitive details like your address, phone number, or birthdate.
• Be careful with posting of images. Images of location data from the GPS in your phone. This can give away that you are on vacation or holiday! 🙁

1. Use Privacy Settings:

• Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal details.

1. Be Selective with Friend Requests:

• Only accept friend requests from people you know and trust.

1. Think Before You Post:

• Consider the potential consequences of sharing personal information publicly.

1. Monitor Account Activity:

• Regularly check your social media accounts for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access.

By being mindful of the information you share online, you can better protect your identity, financial security, personal safety, and privacy.