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How easy it is for cybercriminals to steal your identity?

Bernadine Siseland

As a user of a social media platform, have you ever pondered over how easy it is for cybercriminals to steal your identity? Well, it's time to dive into the rabbit hole of cybercrime, folks! The reality is that getting your identity stolen isn't just a freak occurrence anymore; it's an epidemic that's affecting countless people globally. So, saddle up, fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on a knowledge-gaining adventure!

Firstly, let's get one thing on the table - no matter how "tight" your privacy settings are, social media platforms are still a stomping ground for cybercriminals. We live in the era of oversharing, and we don't realise how much personal information we put out there. So, what happens when a cybercriminal gets their hands on your personal info? They've struck gold! From there, they can go ahead and create a fake identity, access your bank accounts, or even steal your mail. And it's no longer just your credit card information that's at stake; it's your entire being.

Secondly, did you know that there are several ways in which cybercriminals can get hold of your personal information? For starters, hacking - which, might I add, sounds like something you'd do in Grand Theft Auto. But no, in reality, hacking is when a cybercriminal gains unauthorized access to a device, computer, or network. And don't think that you're too clever for hackers - they've got plenty of tricks up their sleeves! They know about keylogging (when they record every keystroke you make), phishing (tricking you into giving them your login and password by posing as a legitimate entity), and even using public Wi-Fi networks to gain access to your device.

Thirdly, let's take a moment to talk about something called "social engineering." It's like that scene in Oceans Eleven, where George Clooney and Brad Pitt use charm and trickery to gain access to an area they're not authorized to be in. In the world of cybercrime, social engineering is when cybercriminals exploit characteristics like kindness or fear to get us to disclose personal information. For example, they might pose as a bank and call you, asking you to confirm your login and password.

Lastly, let's be real - we're all addicted to our phones. In fact, you're probably reading this on your phone right now. But did you know that downloading apps and games that aren't from the Apple Store or Google Play can put you in a problematic situation? These unauthorised downloads can contain malware, which can steal your personal information and even take control of your device.

In conclusion, my dear social media comrades, cybercrime is a real issue that we all need to be aware of. Yes, it may seem daunting and overwhelming, but we must take steps to protect our identity online. It's as simple as setting strong passwords (none of that Password123 nonsense), not oversharing personal information, and ensuring that you only download apps from an authorised source. Remember, protection is better than cure!