The Dangers of Social Media Questionnaires
With so many people working from home or not working, social networking usage has skyrocketed.

And when people get bored - shenanigans follow of the highest order.
The Questionnaire .....
Don't deny it, you've seen them. You might have even been tempted to answer the questions:

  • Was your last relationship a mistake?
  • Do you miss your last relationship?
  • Have you ever been depressed?
  • Are you a boy or girl?
  • Are you insecure?
  • What is your relationship status?
  • What did you last eat?
  • Have you played any sports?
  • What is your real name? they slipped that one in there .....
  • Do you hate anyone at the moment?
  • Have any pets?
  • Are you scared of spiders?
  • Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
  • Do you regret anything from your past?
  • What are your plans for this weekend?
  • Do you want to have kids?
  • Did you ever kiss someone whose name starts with an M?
  • Do you have piercings? Tattoos?
and, then even getting to the information they really want ...
  • What's your pet's name?
  • What was the address of your first home?
  • What was your first phone number?
  • What's your favorite color?
  • What's your mothers' maiden name?
  • What's your favorite band?
Starting to sound familiar? They should.
Do any of the above questions remind you of security answers you use to gain access to your bank account, for example?
How hackers gather your personal information
Hackers go to great lengths to get to your data and, for the most part, they're really good at it. They're also really good at getting you to help them out. Hence, these types of questionnaires. It's called social engineering--the manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information--and that name is more apropos than ever.

You hop onto Facebook or Twitter and answer these questions, not knowing that you're handing over the keys to your data kingdom: Your bank, your investments, your identity.

From those questionnaires, hackers can cobble together much of the information they need to:

  • Guess your passwords
  • Break into your accounts
  • Steal your identity

They might as well ask these three questions:

  • What is your Social Security Number?
  • What is your date of birth?
  • What is your bank account number?
Avoid sharing your personal information
The more information you share, the easier you make it. You might not think that one questionnaire reveals enough about you to be dangerous, but it is when combined with other easily available information on the web.

Also, think about your security "challenge" questions that you bank requires. So, you've told the truth because it's easier to remember .... now the bank was hacked ... oops!

In these cases, the truth is not the better option!
So when you find yourself tempted to answer any kind of survey or questionnaire on social networking, step away from the keyboard and do something constructive. At all costs, you should avoid putting this kind of personal information onto social networking platforms.

And when in doubt, ask yourself this question: Would answering any of these questions empower someone to steal from me?If the answer is either a resounding "yes," "maybe," or "Magic 8 Ball is unsure," close that browser tab or don't "play" with the Facebook questionnaire, and play Solitaire or knit a hat. Anything but share your personal information.

Literally--anything.

Have a conversation with your cat. Dance it out. Fold origami. Do a puzzle. Plant a garden. Watch paint dry.

excerpted from Jack Wallen in Security (Tech Republic) April 16, 2020
P.S. > Password Managers
How to remember your unique passwords and your "lies" on your security questions ... stay tuned for an article on Password Managers. They do more than remember your passwords .....
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