We’ve all done it.
You post a birthday selfie, share a holiday snap, or tag your favourite café. It feels harmless — even fun. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: every little detail you share can be stitched together into a master key for hackers.
The bigger picture:
Oversharing isn’t just about privacy. It’s about security. Hackers use those breadcrumbs — names, dates, locations, routines — to guess passwords, reset accounts, or craft scams that feel tailor-made for you.
Why We Overshare
• Dopamine hits — likes and comments give quick bursts of validation.
• Habit — posting becomes routine without stopping to think.
• FOMO — fear of missing out keeps us updating and tagging.
• Normalisation — if everyone else posts, it must be fine… right?
Real Example
In 2020, criminals used social media posts to track when people were on holiday. Empty homes became burglary targets, with burglars even referencing the exact dates families had proudly shared online.
Do This Today
- Delay your posts
Share that holiday photo after you’re home, not while you’re away. - Lock down your privacy settings
Limit who can see your posts — friends, not “public.” - Think about the details
Pet names, kids’ birthdays, and addresses are all common password-reset questions. - Turn off location tagging
No one needs to know your exact coordinates at every moment. - Post less, say more
Choose quality over quantity — less personal info, more meaningful updates.
Key Takeaway
Every post is a puzzle piece. One by itself might not matter, but put together they can form the whole picture — and hackers are very good at puzzles.
At The Cyber Workshop, we explore the human side of cybersecurity — because real protection isn’t just about firewalls and software. It’s about the small choices you make every day online.
Till next time,
Keep some pieces of your life off the internet — they’re worth more than the likes.
