With the increasing popularity of social media and photo-sharing platforms, it’s easier than ever to overlook the potential risks associated with revealing too much personal information. Posting without due diligence can have unintended consequences such as identity theft, unwanted attention, or doxxing, the gathering of personal information for personal gain. Fortunately, these risks can be greatly mitigated by ensuring that sensitive information is removed from photos before sharing them.
“Sharing special moments online is a great way to connect with others, but it’s important to use privacy settings wisely,” said Anna Larkina, web content analyst. “With many platforms now allowing you to control who your posts will be viewed by, it’s important to use this feature wisely, especially when sharing sensitive content. With a quick security check, you can enjoy the benefits of sharing online while keeping your personal data safe.”
In turn, Kaspersky experts, the information security company, provided basic tips for users to enhance personal safety, including:
Site details
Avoid sharing photos that might reveal places you visit frequently, especially your home. Photos that contain landmarks, street signs, or recognizable geotags can pinpoint someone’s exact location. Even subtle background details can give away a location without you knowing. To minimize the risk, it’s best to share these types of photos with friends and family only, and opt for photos that are devoid of prominent tags when posting to a wider audience.
Real-time updates
Sharing real-time information, such as your current location, how long someone will be there, or what they look like, can attract unwanted attention. It’s safer to limit such updates to a circle of friends. For a broader audience, consider sharing these updates after you’ve finished your plans, which ensures personal safety while also allowing for sharing experiences.
Documents
It’s important to carefully check photos before posting them for any visible documents, such as ID cards, home addresses, medical records, prescriptions, bank statements, or utility bills. Even when sharing photos of mail, packages, or receipts, it’s important to make sure that no sensitive information is visible. These details should be kept private, even among close friends, and could be misused if an account is hacked.
Travel plans
When you’re on vacation, it’s best to share updates and photos with just a close group of friends. This is because stepping away from work and focusing on relaxation can create opportunities for targeted attacks, and quick responses can be difficult while on vacation, so it’s best to keep travel plans private until you get home. Later experiences can then be shared with a wider audience without risk.