Burglars used to use Obituaries to rob grieving families. Technology has now made things a lot easier for them – they just switch on their computers, which they probably stole from someone, and turn to Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites.
They now have easier access to specific information regarding homeowners than ever before. They can use techniques similar to Stalkers to determine when your house is empty and your possessions most vulnerable.

Google Streetmaps is one of the most used tools of the clued-up thief, allowing them to case out likely looking homes in the complete safety, probably of their own home.
A few advanced searches on Facebook or Twitter can be tailored to target groups of people who are likely to be out of the country. For example: those checking in when they are at the airport, or Facebooks “Open graph” search will allow unprecedented levels of targeting for potential thieves of users with open profiles.
One VERY important fact to mention, that many people are not aware of, is that Social media platforms are increasingly showing where the user has posted from, by tagging where a post was made with co-ordinates. If a thief knows where you are i.e. having a lovely day at the beach – shown by the photo you have just posted, and they know where you live – it is likely that they will work out that your home is empty !!

EXIF meta data, which is contained in image files, can reveal an awful lot about you.
For instance, many camera phones, such as the iPhone, automatically include GPS location data as image metadata. This information can easily be extracted, with free software downloaded from the Internet, to track the users location. Most platforms such as Facebook , Twitter and Instagram now remove EXIF data from uploaded photos, but not all external image hosts do.

What can you do to stop it ?

• Consider taking a break from social media when you are on holiday.
• Avoid announcements that you are going to be in another country for a week or two.
• Share holiday photos AFTER you get back. Even if the hosting service strip out the EXIF data, the “lovely view from your hotel” remark gives it away that you are not at home.
• Do not share “Location” information automatically on social media services
• Never share your address
• Consider only sharing information with “Friends”, rather than “Friends of Friends” or “Public”.

In Summary – reverse stalk yourself – looking at the data you share – What would you be able to find out about yourself ?

Fletcher Technology – Web Design, Hosting & SEO Services in Carshalton, Wallington, Sutton & Surrounding Areas