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Social media has changed the world. It has made it easy to stay connected with others, but it also opens the door to security risks for you personally. Sharing too much information online can make you a target for hackers, scammers, and burglars. In order to keep yourself and your information safe, it’s important to know what to post (and what not to post). Here are six things you should never share on social media.
1. Your Full Birthdate
Facebook and other platforms encourage you to share your birthday. This way, your friends can wish you well on your big day. While this is nice, you should avoid sharing your full birthdate (with the year). This piece of information can be used by hackers to access accounts and even steal your identity. Even sharing the month and day could be dangerous if a lot of other information is available about you online. So, be wary of this and check your privacy settings. If you choose to share your birthday, make sure it’s only visible to your friends.
2. Your Home Address
Sharing your home address on social media can invite trouble, from burglars to online stalkers. Even a seemingly innocent photo showing your house number or street can give away your location. Criminals can use this information to plan break-ins, especially if you’re also posting about vacations or being away from home. Geotagged photos can reveal your address even if you don’t explicitly share it.
3. Your Travel Plans
Posting about your upcoming vacations might get you likes, but it also alerts burglars that your home is empty. Even sharing “check-in” posts at airports or vacation spots can tip off people that you’re away. Criminals often monitor social media for these clues, making it easier for them to strike. Instead, consider sharing your travel photos and stories after you return home.
4. Financial Information
Posting photos of your new credit card, paycheck, or even a pricey purchase can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Scammers can use these details to hack your accounts or steal your identity. Even bragging about a new job with a salary reveal can attract the wrong kind of attention. Financial information should be kept strictly private to prevent fraud and theft.
5. Personal Identification Details
Details like your phone number, driver’s license, or even your mother’s maiden name can be used by hackers to access your accounts. These pieces of information are often used for security questions, making them valuable to cybercriminals. Avoid sharing close-up photos of documents, badges, or anything that reveals personal info. Even sharing information about your family members can help scammers guess security questions.
6. Photos of Your Kids or Their School
While it’s tempting to share back-to-school photos or celebrate your kids’ achievements, doing so can expose them to risks. Posting images that reveal their school’s name, location, or even their daily routine can attract predators. Geotags on these photos can also disclose their whereabouts to strangers. To keep your kids safe, consider sharing pictures without uniforms or visible school details.
Stay Safe by Staying Private
Technology is amazing. Social media has undoubtedly brought people together. However, it is important to protect your privacy. So, before you share any of these details about your life, think twice. A little caution now can wind up saving you a ton of trouble down the road.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.