With the ever increasing popularity of social networking and new location-based applications,
we are all in danger of unwittingly opening ourselves up to digital crime.
A recent report by Legal & General found that, out of 2,092 social networking users surveyed:
- 82% are unaware that their private address is legally for sale on the internet.
- Six out of ten 16 to 24 year olds (nearly 58%) share their holiday plans on social networking sites.
- 38% of people say they've seen phone numbers publicly visible on social networking sites.
These results suggest that people are exposing themselves to unnecessary risk from digital crime.
Here at Hastings Direct, we want to offer you more than just home insurance. We want to help you protect yourself against
becoming a potential target. Here are some useful tips to help you:
Status updates
Limit how much personal information you share - if you are going out, avoid saying so and where to, unless you are certain only friends can see your profile.
Checking in
New location based services don't just allow you to share your whereabouts with friends or followers - they also allow would-be burglars to establish your whereabouts and puts you at a potential risk.
Check your privacy settings
Set them as high as possible and make sure your personal details are not accessible by strangers.
Think about the photos you are sharing
Posting pictures of your latest expensive purchase offers valuable information to potential burglars, as do pictures of house parties - a burglar can glean important details of the layout and contents of your home.
Know your friends
It can be tempting to accept anyone as a friend on a social networking site. Be wary, you may think they seem ok but you will be giving them access to a great deal of your personal information.
Check to see whether your address is available to buy online
Most people are unaware that anyone can purchase your private address information via 192.com - even if you
are ex directory.
You can find out more information at
http://www.192.com/misc/privacy-policy
Check you are adequately insured
Put your mind at rest and check the details of your policy with your insurer so that, should the worst happen,
you have enough contents cover.
If you'd like advice or to discuss anything further, why not call one of our specialist team on 0800 99 1066.
To view Legal & General's full report, please
click here.
