Digital Anthropologist Daren Dhoray is warning members of the public to clean up their list of friends and followers on social media platforms as criminals are now using their smart phones to search for targets.
Given the recent spate of home invasions, the cyber security expert said now more than ever, people must be aware of who they are allowing to view their lifestyles, movements and possessions on their digital spaces.
“I have probably over 1,200 friends on my Facebook profile alone, I know I don’t know 1,200 people, so we may add friends over the years for different reasons, and they are looking on at what we’re doing so be very particular about your friends list. I would recommend going over that list and cleaning it up, you can delete, remove, block or put them in a group where they won’t see your regular posts.”
Dhoray, who studies the relationship between humans and digital-era technology, added that these days friend requests must also be scrutinised thoroughly.
“There are also imposters where someone creates a fake profile and pretend to be friend from long time but it’s someone pretending and that can also have far reaching repercussions where you think you’re sharing information with a friend, but it can be someone with ulterior motives.”
He said there are certain signs to also identify a fake profile.
“Look at the number of friends you have in common, how long the profile has been in existence and the type of pictures they use as well,” he noted.
Recently, senior members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) have been advising people to install security cameras in their homes.
But Dhoray warned that it is essential that you change the default password immediately.
“Many of us have security cameras that are on the internet with log in information and quite a lot of the time the installers would leave the default user name and passwords and you can use some websites and find open security camera systems and just log in with the default credentials, that’s one way of allowing people into your house without knowing. And you would find social media websites with lists of these links to these security cameras.”
Dhoray also advised people to watch what they post. He said too often a picture on social media can be an invitation for criminals into your homes.
“What I think is the biggest issue at this time is that a lot of people may be travelling out of the country and it could be as close as Tobago but when they’re away from their home for an extended period they tend to advertise that on social media, so I recommend that you delay your travel post until you return. A simple thing like sharing your daily routine can also be harmful, it tells criminals when your home is unoccupied or even where you are every day.”
He said sometimes people may even take a picture but, in the background, there are sensitive documents or information.
“Now we have very powerful cameras that you can use to zoom in and you may be thinking nobody can see it, but people can get that data.”
Dhoray also advised that people be creative when they post their belongings.
For example, he said if you want people to know you have the PlayStation 5, it may be wise to post a picture of the game you’re playing where people may not be able to ascertain if you are playing the console at home or by a friend.
