If you’ve ever found yourself aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, contemplating whether to take one of those amusing yet silly quizzes, think twice. Those seemingly harmless questionnaires could be designed to compromise your identity.
Recently, the police department in a town near Boston issued a cautionary message on Facebook, advising users against engaging with certain posts. “Be cautious of the quizzes you comment on,” they warned. “Those that ask about your first grade teacher, childhood best friend, or even your first car often include the same types of questions used for account security purposes.”
In essence, hackers can exploit the information garnered from these quizzes to open credit lines under your name, lure you into clicking on malicious links, and breach your personal accounts. It’s unsettling, to say the least.
Many Facebook quizzes request your birth month and day, which raises eyebrows. Why do they need your birthday for a quiz about your Elf Name? Honestly, isn’t that just a little too invasive?
However, don’t let this information deter you from enjoying quizzes altogether. Feel free to participate in fun quizzes on reputable platforms that don’t pry into your private life. Ask yourself: does a quiz determining which Golden Girl you resemble really need to know your first pet’s name?
As a solution, experts suggest finding ways to replace traditional security questions. “I would like to see this practice eliminated,” stated Mark Thompson, a privacy and cybersecurity consultant. “If passwords can be compromised, why do we still cling to security questions as a safe option?”
In the meantime, it’s crucial to exercise caution when sharing personal information online. If a quiz seems trustworthy, go ahead and indulge in that Golden Girls quiz on Buzzfeed — here’s hoping you get Blanche!
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In summary, while Facebook quizzes can be entertaining, be wary of the personal information you share. Safeguard your identity by avoiding quizzes that ask for sensitive details, and prioritize your privacy online.