Social networks a treasure trove for ID thieves
Despite all the warnings, a significant number of people who use social networks leave themselves vulnerable to identity theft and threats to their privacy.
That's the conclusion of the 2010 Network Fraud survey released today by a company called ID Analytics.
"About 21 percent of social network users are leaving their profiles basically open for anyone to see," says Thomas Oscherwitz, chief privacy officer at ID Analytics. "That's about 24 million Americans."
Oscherwitz says the survey found that 63 percent of those who use social networking sites list the schools they attended, 70 million people share their birthplace and 20 million give out their pet's name.
"The type of information they're disclosing is the exact same information they're often being asked for when they sign on for online financial or other accounts."
Oscherwitz wants everyone to remember that bad guys are also on social networks, scooping up as much personal information to use against you as they can.
"Think about what you post before you post it because the information you'd use on one site may be relevant to another."
ID Analytics has a website that lets you check your risk of identity theft- they call it your "ID Score". The lower your score, the lower your security risk.
You are required to enter your name, address, phone number and birth date.
Your Social Security Number is optional, but the company makes it clear that their privacy policy is to not sell or rent your personal information. The policy also states the company will not make your information available to third parties for marketing purposes. The company says the ID-Score is a free, public service.
www.idanalytics.com
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That's the conclusion of the 2010 Network Fraud survey released today by a company called ID Analytics.
"About 21 percent of social network users are leaving their profiles basically open for anyone to see," says Thomas Oscherwitz, chief privacy officer at ID Analytics. "That's about 24 million Americans."
Oscherwitz says the survey found that 63 percent of those who use social networking sites list the schools they attended, 70 million people share their birthplace and 20 million give out their pet's name.
"The type of information they're disclosing is the exact same information they're often being asked for when they sign on for online financial or other accounts."
Oscherwitz wants everyone to remember that bad guys are also on social networks, scooping up as much personal information to use against you as they can.
"Think about what you post before you post it because the information you'd use on one site may be relevant to another."
ID Analytics has a website that lets you check your risk of identity theft- they call it your "ID Score". The lower your score, the lower your security risk.
You are required to enter your name, address, phone number and birth date.
Your Social Security Number is optional, but the company makes it clear that their privacy policy is to not sell or rent your personal information. The policy also states the company will not make your information available to third parties for marketing purposes. The company says the ID-Score is a free, public service.
www.idanalytics.com
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