Let’s be honest.
We all share more online than we probably should. Birthdays, holiday snaps, new jobs, even photos of the dog — it feels harmless.
Here’s the catch:
Oversharing on social media, even in so-called “private” groups, can hand hackers exactly what they need to target you.
Why Oversharing Matters
• Hackers love personal details — they use them for password guesses, phishing scams, and identity theft.
• Posts can reveal routines, locations, or when your house is empty.
• Even “closed” groups aren’t foolproof — leaks and screenshots happen all the time.
Once information is out there, you lose control of where it ends up.
Real Example
In 2021, scammers used details pulled from social media to impersonate parents and trick teenagers into handing over money.
The kids trusted the messages because the scammers referenced real names, pets, and birthdays lifted directly from posts.
Do This Today
- Think before you post
Ask yourself if a stranger really needs to know this. - Delay holiday posts
Share your beach snaps after you’re home, not while your house is empty. - Check privacy settings
Lock down who can see your posts, but remember nothing is 100% private. - Avoid “quiz” posts
“What’s your pet’s name?” or “Which street did you grow up on?” can reveal password hints. - Limit personal details on profiles
Keep birthdays, addresses, and phone numbers off public view.
Key Takeaway
Social media is fun, but it’s also a goldmine for hackers.
The less you give away, the fewer tools they have to use against you.
At The Cyber Workshop, our Social Engineering Workshop shows you how scammers twist harmless details into powerful attacks. We’ll show you the tricks, the risks, and the simple habits that keep you in control.
Till next time,
Remember — share memories, not your life story.
