The internet and social media have become the norm for many people; however, it is important to consider how we use social media and how it can impact other areas of our life. One of the things that online activity can have an impact on if you are not careful is the security of your home. For example, if you are frequently posting about your upcoming holiday on social media, you are inadvertently providing information to potential thieves that can help them target your home. Let’s face it there is no point getting in locksmiths in Broxburn or anywhere else to fit updated locks if you are going to let the world know your house will be empty for two weeks.
So, What Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself?
Probably the most obvious thing you need to do is to take care when posting online. While some people like sharing their whole life on Facebook this is not always advisable. Thieves have also got savvier over the years and as a result, many will routinely search social media to get information on potential targets. So as we alluded to earlier if you are going on holiday it is not advisable to broadcast it to the world beforehand as you can’t be sure who is watching. Message friends privately or wait till you get back to post those holiday photos you want to share with everyone. You should always use strong passwords for any online accounts you have and that includes social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Never share details with strangers online as you can never be 100% sure who they are, while they may sound fine, they could have ulterior motives. By being aware of the risks and taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your home safe from criminals who may be looking to take advantage of your online activity.
Constantly Review and Update Your Home Security
One way to keep your home safe is to constantly review your security arrangements. In the same way you should change passwords on a regular basis it is also important to keep your home security systems well maintained. If you have a burglar alarm or CCTV get them regularly serviced to ensure they continue to operate as they should. That way if by any chance you are targeted your home will have the best level of protection.
Security is Not Just About the Building
Identity theft is probably one of the fastest-growing crimes and as such, it is important to ensure you keep your online activity as secure as possible. To help protect against the dangers of identity theft which will also adversely impact the security of your home there are a number of things you can do. Keep your personal information private. Be careful about what you share online, as this can make you a target for identity theft. Install security software and update it regularly. This will help protect your computer and devices from malware and other online threats. Stay alert for scams. Be sceptical of emails, pop-ups, and links that come from unfamiliar sources, as these could be attempts to steal your personal information. Following these simple rules will help keep you secure online and as such will keep your home a safer place.
Conclusion
By being active online, you are inadvertently providing information to potential thieves that can help them target your home. It is important to be careful about the personal information you share online, as this can make you a target for identity theft. While we are not saying stay off the internet and social media altogether, by taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your home safe from online threats.
