You know how to spot phishing scams – but do you also know that you shouldn’t upload pictures of your boarding pass and accept friend requests from strangers?
You know how to spot phishing scams – but do you also know that you shouldn’t upload pictures of your boarding pass and accept friend requests from strangers?
1 Oversharing on social media
Do you really need to post a photo of your boarding pass when you go on holiday? Not only is that extremely contrived, the bar code on your pass can be used to gain access to your travel account. The general rule of thumb, according to cyber expert Chong Ee Jay, manager of TOUCH Cyber Wellness and member of the Media Literacy Council, is to simply avoid uploading anything containing sensitive or personal information. For instance, online shopping receipts that show your home address, or for the fellas, IPPT results that reveal your NRIC number.
2 Using the same password for every. Damn. Account.
Okay, the average Millennial has a ton of different online accounts – just count how many social media platforms, online shopping accounts, banking. accounts and so forth that you own. If you’re using the same password for every account, it’s basically a walk in the park for anyone with malicious intent. You unlock one, you unlock all.
3 Using the social media login option
To make things easier for their users, some apps and websites allow a “Facebook Login” option or something similar. The idea is that you are logged in via your social media account and they can retrieve your basic information from there, saving you some time and trouble. But our cyber expert says that it’s better to just sign up separately. “This is to minimise the risk of compromising your social media accounts,” explains Ee Jay.
4 Accepting friend requests from any Tom, Dick, or Harry
Unless you’re an influencer, exercise caution and be selective about whom you allow into your online social circle. “Don’t be too quick to accept or authorise such requests, even if they happen to be your friend’s friend online,” warns Ee Jay. “Be mindful that your friend’s friend might not necessarily be your friend.”
5 You don’t check your privacy settings
What you share with your friends might not be what you want to share with total Internet strangers. Besides, making such personal information and pictures so easily accessible can make you more susceptible to identity theft or impersonation. “Often, out of the ease of convenience, we don’t think twice about releasing and sharing personal information online, only regretting when things turn sour,” says Ee Jay. So yeah, have a think before posting anything, and make sure to tailor your privacy settings so that only those who are in your closest social circle are privy to that nugget of personal info.
If you encounter any online privacy concerns that you are not too sure about, feel free to contact the counsellors at TOUCH Cyber Wellness for advice. You can either call the TOUCHLine at 1800 377 2252 or drop them an email at cyberwellness@touch.org.sg
