5 things you shouldn’t be telling the world on Facebook

What are you telling the world? Picture?

The media love a scare story and it’s easy to get overly paranoid. But do you know how much information you’re giving away on Facebook and other social networking sites?
Your updates might seem playful and inconsequential, but in a world of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters and digitally minded criminals, even your most throwaway updates could be a goldmine for the people who lurk in the dark.

Is it time you became more discreet? Here’s how you might be helping the wrong ‘uns with your updates on Facebook. Yes, it might seem far-fetched, but the worst can happen. Don’t have nightmares.
1. Your pet’s name

Use your pet’s name as your password? Probably best not to announce it to the world then. (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Everyone loves a cute pooch pic or a lovable kitty snap on Facebook. People go mad for pets and quite right too. But, according to research by Google, 1 in 6 people use their pet’s name as a password online. It’s the number one choice before a significant life changing date such as a wedding or birthday or a family member’s name.
If you use your cuddly creature’s name as your password, it’s time to change it to something less hackable.
2. Your mother’s maiden name
It’s the question that always gets asked by the bank when you give them a call. ‘What’s your mother’s maiden name?’ And if you’re friends on Facebook with your cousins, aunts and uncles or, indeed, your grandparents (your mum’s mum or dad!), then it’s really very easy to work out. Keep your privacy settings high. But even then it’s a free for all.
Other security questions can often regard the street you grew up on or your first school. Lots of people have both on their Facebook profile. Have you?
3. Your date of birth

We all like to see the birthday wishes flood in on Facebook, but your birth date is also a sensitive piece of information  (Picture: Alamy)

It’s always lovely to be on Facebook on your birthday – a deluge of greetings can really make your day. But, again, your birth date is useful info for any nefarious rotter looking to rip you off. Here’s a tip. Tell your mates the day and month but avoid the year.
4. When you’re out of the house
It’s fun to brag about your sunny poolside outing or the movie you just went to watch probably at Ozone, but while you’re away your house is vulnerable. The holiday snaps could wait until you return, couldn’t they?
5. What you’ve got that’s worth stealing

Living the dream – check out my new car. Plus, I’m off to the Caribbean tomorrow! (Ah, so you have expensive things and won’t be at home for two weeks then) (Picture:REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo)

You had a marvellous party before jetting off and the shindig pics show off your wonderful abode: the big telly, the state-of-the-art computer, and the shiny new motor in the garage.
What do you mean you didn’t turn your location off? You could be telling the wrong people exactly what you’ve got and where. And you’re on holiday too? Cha-ching.