Perhaps this is a strange topic to be writing about on the Sprite Club of SA. Its not about an upcoming event (stay tuned for the calendar, out hopefully this weekend) or a technical missive, but its a timely reminder for us to take stock of our personal cyber security.

Recently I’ve noticed a definite ‘up-tick’ what I believe to be personal ‘data harvesting’ activity that can have no use other than for nefarious deeds. And its becoming more and more prevalent across a number of un-regulated or poorly regulated chat communities or Groups. For many of us, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world at large. However, with the convenience and connectivity come significant risks, one of the most prevalent being personal data phishing. This silent threat poses a severe danger to users, as cybercriminals continually exploit social media platforms to harvest sensitive information for malicious purposes. In this article, I will hopefully give you some insights that I’ve learned over the past few years being involved with aspects of security and how you might consider protecting yourselves.

Why? Because about 18 months ago we were targeted with an attempt at identity theft as a result of one of the ‘high profile’ personal data spills and, even though it failed, the effort to close all the doors that were opened is considerable and time consuming.

Understanding Personal Data Phishing:

Cybercriminals often create fake profiles, impersonating trusted entities or individuals to establish a sense of trust with unsuspecting users. These profiles may mimic friends, family members, or even official organizations, making it challenging for users to discern the authenticity of the connection. How many times do you check the profile of the person in your long-standing Group who is suddenly asking you to ‘Post your ride’ for no apparent reason, yet so many people still do (or pictures of their dog etc etc!).

Phishers leverage various tactics to deceive users into divulging personal information. They may send messages, emails, or direct messages containing urgent requests, fake promotions, or seemingly innocuous links. Clicking on these links can lead users to fraudulent websites designed to capture sensitive data, such as login credentials.

Third-party applications and quizzes on social media platforms can be Trojan horses for personal data phishing. Users are often enticed to grant these applications access to their profiles, unknowingly providing cybercriminals with a gateway to extract personal information.

Even seemingly innocuous information shared on social media can be exploited by cybercriminals. Details such as birthdates, locations, and workplace information can be aggregated to create a comprehensive profile, making users vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrimes.

And to be clear, a cybercriminal might still be a pimply 15 year old kid just trying to skim some money from your account, or it could be a state-operated phishing enterprise looking to steal money and information from large corporations or Mum and Dad next door to fund their activities.

Protecting Yourself from Personal Data Phishing:

Vigilance in Accepting Friend Requests: Be cautious when accepting friend requests, especially from individuals you do not know personally. Scrutinize profile details, mutual friends, and activity to identify potential fake accounts. If in doubt, verify the identity through alternative means before accepting the request.

Verify Messages and Links: Exercise skepticism when receiving messages or emails containing urgent requests or suspicious links. Verify the sender’s identity through a separate communication channel and refrain from clicking on links unless you are certain of their legitimacy. Social media platforms often provide features to report and block suspicious accounts.

Review App Permissions: Regularly review and audit the third-party applications connected to your social media accounts. Remove access for applications that are no longer needed or are unfamiliar. Restrict the permissions granted to apps, allowing only essential access to your profile information.

Limit Public Information: Restrict the amount of personal information shared publicly on your social media profiles. Review and adjust privacy settings to control who can view your posts, friend list, and other details. The less information available to potential phishers, the lower the risk of falling victim to personal data phishing.

Educate Yourself and Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and scams circulating on social media. Being aware of potential threats enables you to recognize and avoid falling prey to malicious activities. Follow official security guidelines provided by social media platforms and cybersecurity experts.

Personal data phishing on social media is a persistent and evolving threat that requires constant vigilance. As users we need to be proactive in protecting our online identities. By understanding the methods employed by cybercriminals and implementing best practices to safeguard our personal information, we can navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence.

Social media is a powerful tool for connectivity, but it is crucial to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps against the silent threat of personal data phishing.

If you have any questions, just ask!