That harmless post could be a gold mine for criminals
SEATTLE -- Across the country, police are linking home burglaries to information posted on social networking sites. In the latest case, as many as 50 homes in New Hampshire were burglarized while the homeowners were away. In some of the cases, police say the victims had been posting on social networking sites that they were going on vacation.
"Think of it through the eyes of a criminal," said Internet safety expert Linda Criddle.
Criddle now makes a living thinking like a criminal to help families, businesses and law enforcement thwart cyber crime.
But before starting her Internet safety company, "Look Both Ways", Criddle spend 13 years with Microsoft addressing safety in the company's consumer products.
She says the recent headlines out of Nashua, New Hampshire should put everyone on notice about security leaks on their social network pages.
So far, three suspects are charged with stealing more than $100,000 in cash and property. Police say the suspects may be linked top some 50 homes burglarized in the city in the month of August.
Criddle says criminals find potential targets by searching for individuals or searching for specific groups. They look for information most people think is safe like where you are, and what you're doing.
"Sharing that information, where you are, is some of the most sensitive information that you can share," Criddle cautioned.
Criminals also scour baby registries, bridal registries, and memorial and wedding sites to find when people will be away from home.
"Once you've shared it you no longer control it," she said. "Those people now control how that piece of information gets shared."
Criddle says the Internet and social network sites are great tools for consumers, you just have to be aware. Before you post a picture, consider what the photo says about where you live, what you own, and who you know.
Regularly update your privacy settings -- some policies can change without notice. Weed-out friends you don't really know or rarely connect with. And consider opting out of location features that tell where you are all the time.
Finally, be extremely careful about entering posts online that tell the world you're not going to be at home. Criddle says posting even something as seeming harmless as a daily latte at your favorite coffee shop can expose your daily routine and alert thieves to when you're likely to be away.
More information: ilookbothways.com
"Think of it through the eyes of a criminal," said Internet safety expert Linda Criddle.
Criddle now makes a living thinking like a criminal to help families, businesses and law enforcement thwart cyber crime.
But before starting her Internet safety company, "Look Both Ways", Criddle spend 13 years with Microsoft addressing safety in the company's consumer products.
She says the recent headlines out of Nashua, New Hampshire should put everyone on notice about security leaks on their social network pages.
So far, three suspects are charged with stealing more than $100,000 in cash and property. Police say the suspects may be linked top some 50 homes burglarized in the city in the month of August.
Criddle says criminals find potential targets by searching for individuals or searching for specific groups. They look for information most people think is safe like where you are, and what you're doing.
"Sharing that information, where you are, is some of the most sensitive information that you can share," Criddle cautioned.
Criminals also scour baby registries, bridal registries, and memorial and wedding sites to find when people will be away from home.
"Once you've shared it you no longer control it," she said. "Those people now control how that piece of information gets shared."
Criddle says the Internet and social network sites are great tools for consumers, you just have to be aware. Before you post a picture, consider what the photo says about where you live, what you own, and who you know.
Regularly update your privacy settings -- some policies can change without notice. Weed-out friends you don't really know or rarely connect with. And consider opting out of location features that tell where you are all the time.
Finally, be extremely careful about entering posts online that tell the world you're not going to be at home. Criddle says posting even something as seeming harmless as a daily latte at your favorite coffee shop can expose your daily routine and alert thieves to when you're likely to be away.
More information: ilookbothways.com
Learn about changes coming to commenting