How Much Safe Are You on Social Networking Websites?
How Much Safe Are You on Social Networking Websites?
In today’s Information technology era, social networking is the best way to connect people worldwide and with our friends family and relative. in some recent years, the user of social networking website like Facebook has been grown rapidly. we can see the impact of Social Networking on our daily life.
Social Networking is not only the way to connect with people it is more than of that ..for example Famous Instant Messaging App WhatsApp Now allows organization to Connect with their customer. few days back i booked a Hotel ticket and i got a message on my WhatsApp a PDF file for my booking confirmation.
Identity Theft
There are many advantages and disadvantages of social networking. one of the biggest disadvantages of social networking is “IDENTITY THEFT”.
IDENTITY THEFT is a job of a Social Engineer also called Cracker or Hacker to theft information from social networking website and used to spam mail and target on specific person and companies.
Identity theft involves obtaining somebody else’s identifying information and using it for a criminal purpose especially Social Engineering. Most often that purpose is to commit financial fraud by targeting user with email by saying ” you have won the lucky draw please give the bank details so that we can deposit the amount in your bank account.”
Identity theft involves obtaining somebody else’s identifying information and using it obtaining loans or credits in the name of the person whose identity has been stolen. Stolen identifying information might also be used for other reasons, such as to get identification cards or for purposes of employment by somebody not legally authorized to work in the United States.
Follow the following tips to make yourself safe on social networking websites.
1. Almost all social networking website providing a different level of security setting and Most of the all social Networking Website provides Two-Factor Authentication For Facebook You can Read my Post How to enable to Factor Authentication on Facebook .
2. Make your security setting such a way that your profile only viewed by the person you know for more information read my post How to Restrict Sharing Content with Public on Facebook.
3.Do not offer any type of sensational information on the profile of social networking website. Share only those things over social network by considering in mind that i will not going to harm you. Try to avoid using of social network while drinking.
4. Do not accept a friend request from the unknown person.
Identity Safety Defined
Identity safety on social networks refers to the measures put in place to protect an individual’s personal and sensitive information from unauthorized access or exploitation by third parties. This includes protecting one’s name, date of birth, contact information, location, and other personal details that can be used for malicious purposes such as identity theft, fraud, and cyberbullying.
Social networks have become a popular platform for individuals to connect and share information. However, this also makes it easier for hackers and cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information and use it for their own gain. Therefore, social networks have implemented security features such as password protection, two-factor authentication, and privacy settings to help users protect their personal information.
In addition, users can also take steps to enhance their own identity safety on social networks. This includes regularly reviewing privacy settings and limiting the amount of personal information shared publicly. Users should also be cautious when accepting friend requests or clicking on links from unknown sources, as these can be used to steal personal information.
Most Popular Identity Theft Methods
Identity theft is a type of crime where an individual’s personal and sensitive information is stolen and used for fraudulent activities, such as opening new accounts, making purchases, or accessing financial resources. Here are some of the most popular identity theft methods used by cybercriminals:
- Phishing:
Phishing is a type of online scam where cybercriminals send fake emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or online retailers. These messages often ask for personal information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, and can be used to steal sensitive information. - Data Breaches:
Data breaches occur when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to databases containing personal information. This can happen due to vulnerabilities in software, social engineering attacks on employees, or hacking attempts. - Skimming:
Skimming is a method where cybercriminals steal credit card information by placing a device on ATMs, gas pumps, or other payment terminals to capture the data as it’s entered. - Social Engineering:
Social engineering is a tactic where cybercriminals use manipulation to trick individuals into divulging personal information. This can involve posing as a trusted source, such as a bank representative or IT support, to gain access to personal information. - Dumpster Diving:
Dumpster diving is a method where cybercriminals go through trash to find documents containing personal information, such as bank statements or credit card applications.
To protect yourself from identity theft, it’s important to be aware of these popular methods and take precautions to keep your personal information secure. This includes regularly checking bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and being cautious of suspicious emails or messages asking for personal information.
