Are your social media habits putting your security at risk?

Over the past 10 years, social media has skyrocketed in popularity, a digital addiction that has taken the world by storm. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok—the current favorites—allow (and encourage) users to share a ton of information about themselves. When you look past the surface, you’ll notice that the social benefits carry quite a few security vulnerabilities. 

High-Risk Social Sharing 

Some of the biggest security vulnerabilities occur when users take the following actions: 

  • Geotag their location in a post/story 
  • Show off personal assets, such as cars and jewelry 
  • Disclose upcoming vacations 
  • Share birthdays (their own or those of loved ones) 

Any time a user shares personal details on a social media platform, this disclosure always carries a serious risk. Let’s say a user decides to give friends or followers a walk-through of their home as part of a social media trend. Most people will watch for the sheer enjoyment of seeing the décor or ogling lavish furnishings. But a limited number of viewers may watch for the wrong reasons. Criminals are notorious for harvesting useful information from social media. Watching your home walk-through video may tempt them to break into your house. 

Such videos often reveal information about the following: 

  • Entry and egress points 
  • Alarm system 
  • Security cameras 
  • Pets 
  • Valuables, such as jewelry 
  • Car keys 

Taking the Next, Nefarious Step 

Many people want to be perceived as cool on social media but do not understand the risks involved in sharing their lives with the public. In this connected day and age, too many people are oblivious to the events happening around them. 

Since the people watching these videos typically know the name of the individual posting it, a quick online search can reveal the poster’s home address. Scrolling on the poster’s social media feed may disclose some of the vulnerabilities mentioned above, such as vacations. Armed with the dates of your next planned vacation and your home layout, criminals have the perfect opportunity to strike. 

To guard against opportunistic criminals, limit how much information you share about yourself and your family. Many principals and executives of successful companies reveal a generous amount of private information on their social media accounts—information that can be used against them. 

If you or your organization wants to see what information is easily accessible online, Integras Intelligence can perform an open-source vulnerability assessment to identify what is out there and the associated risks. The next time you plan on posting that video or photo to social media, think twice and consider the security risks that may affect you in the future.

Written by:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Discover more from Integras

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Our Reviews

Richard Abrams
Richard Abrams
23:11 14 Sep 22
I was so impressed with the service and work I got from integras.It was a personal issue handled professionally and discreetly. And I love the podcasts!
adrian rosario
adrian rosario
15:51 17 Jul 22
Professional, honest and effective; I have had the privilege of working with Forhad and the Integras executive team since 2007. Having 35+ years experience in law enforcement and an investigative background, we have worked together to achieve successful outcomes investigative matters both domestically and internationally . Their staff is versatile, provides a broad range of security related and investigative know how, and consistently maintains a client-centric culture with unwavering communication and discretion. I highly recommend Integras for your investigative needs.
Brayant Sierra
Brayant Sierra
16:05 08 Apr 22
Elisa Sheftic, Right Executive Search, LLC
Elisa Sheftic, Right Executive Search, LLC
19:50 23 Mar 22
As an executive search firm, having a vendor that is able to execute a background check search, quickly and efficiently is paramount. Integras has been an exceptional partner and understand and communicate the ever changing laws that relate to each state. I would highly recommend them for any companies or recruiting firms that needs a professional background check service. Have used them for years and will continue to do so!
Yftah Kaluski
Yftah Kaluski
18:36 23 Mar 22
Great service and great team behind the product!
Jay McKillop
Jay McKillop
22:58 11 Mar 22
This is a first rate operation, and many of the people that work there are former colleagues. I have dealt with Forhad professionally for over twenty years and he has never let me down. The firm I was at used his team for a "red team" exercise which went extremely well. I have also had several instances where people have come to me with some very complicated investigative problems. I referred them to Intergras and they were extremely pleased with the results. Integras has a very deep bench, with international connectivity and the capacity to get things done.
Gonzalo S.
Gonzalo S.
14:59 26 Jan 22
Sets a standard of excellence in all areas of service it provides. The podcasts provide a wealth of information delivered by a panel professionals with extensive backgrounds. I know the podcast host to be a man of integrity. This has to be the best in the business. Great job!
Joel George
Joel George
22:42 25 Jan 22
We have partnered with Integras Intelligence on a number of occasions. I find their team to be knowledgeable, communicative and easy to work with. It is clear that they are focused on their clients and want to deliver world-class service with an impeccable attention to detail.
Jim Denlea
Jim Denlea
16:05 25 Jan 22
We have used Integras exclusively for all of our Investigative needs, both domestically and internationally. They have always exhibited an unparalleled level of expertise, sensitivity to our client's needs, and cost efficiency. We would highly recommend them without hesitation.
Edmund Hartnett
Edmund Hartnett
15:38 25 Jan 22
Integras Intelligence is the gold standard of investigations. Their cost effective investigations are conducted quickly and accurately; the two most important factors for most clients. I’ve often referred friends and colleagues to Integras. Without exception, they gave the service they received very high marks. I highly recommend Integras.
Aman Singh
Aman Singh
23:31 24 Jan 22
I have had the privilege of working with Integras Intelligence while being at two different companies. Not only is Forhad best in the industry but his team is superb.If you are seeking a company that is professional, responsive and provides thought leadership you should choose Integras Intelligence.Thank You!
Shawn Hale
Shawn Hale
22:06 24 Jan 22
I have known the Integras Intelligence leadership team for over 20 years and am a better person and professional because of it. Never cutting corners, always taking the high road, continually seeking to stay ahead of the industry and setting the standards by which others can measure. Great team. Highly recommend!
Christine Ippolito
Christine Ippolito
00:39 21 Jan 22
We have used Integras as our strategic partner for background checks and physical security advice for over 5 years. The Integras team is highly responsive knowledgeable and always willing to help. We highly recommend them to others and our clients.
Brandon Hunt
Brandon Hunt
13:52 20 Jan 22
I have worked with the team at Integras for over five years and have continually impressed with the professional and thoughtful approach they take to everything they do. They've assembled a terrific team of experts that you can feel confident in and enjoy working with. I strongly recommend Integras Intelligence for anyone who is in need of their services.
Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane
21:51 19 Jan 22
Integras Intelligence is a global leader in the investigative, business intelligence and security consulting space. Their team led by Forhad Razzaque, has a deep level of experience gained in both the public and private sectors.They augment this impressive team with an extensive network of investigators and other specialists that are dedicated to positive client outcomes. If you are looking for a professional, responsive, and skilled partner to help tackle a thorny issue, look no further than Integras.
USMC 0311
USMC 0311
19:36 19 Jan 22
Integras is a leading international provider of investigative and screening services that has been such a great support for our operations in Latin America. Integras is staffed by seasoned professionals who bring decades of experience in all investigative areas and who always go above and beyond the expected service.. Thank you to the Integras team for always striving for excellence!
See All Reviews
js_loader