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High-Profile Break-Ins Serve As Reminder To Watch What You Post
The recent spate of high-profile break-ins and burglaries has raised serious concerns about the potential risks of sharing too much information on social media. In a shocking turn of events, it has been reported that criminals are using online platforms to case homes and target individuals who have inadvertently shared their personal details.
In one particularly disturbing instance, an art collector and cultural ambassador for the Halcyon Gallery had her London home robbed, with thieves making off with valuables worth thousands. Meanwhile, another popular influencer known by the pseudonym Baby Alien was even assaulted in a robbery while promoting a local smoke shop in the Bay Area.
As cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities left open by unsuspecting users, it is imperative that individuals take steps to protect themselves online and offline. By being more mindful of what they post on social media, people can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to these nefarious schemes.
Lawrence Pingree, vice president at cybersecurity researcher Dispersive, warns that “these are victims of classic social engineering – an important and less understood personal cybersecurity risk.” He emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead to avoid becoming a victim, while noting that cybercriminals have an asymmetrical advantage in their ability to find weaknesses.
In this day and age where social media plays such a critical role in our lives, it’s crucial that we recognize the potential risks involved. We must also be aware of the gravity of sharing too much personal information with strangers online.
As Emily Phelps, director at cybersecurity provider Cyware, succinctly put it, “sharing real-time travel updates or personal details on social media can inadvertently expose vulnerabilities.” She cautions against posting sensitive information, highlighting that this is not only a matter of protecting devices and networks but also safeguarding the information itself.
In light of these recent events, it’s essential to reassess our online behavior and recognize the importance of cultivating security awareness. As Pingree astutely observed, “fostering a culture of security awareness, collaboration, and prudence is step one in mitigating threats.”
While we must adapt to an increasingly digital world, we also have a responsibility to protect ourselves from these new risks.
Source: www.forbes.com
