Privacy breaches: revealing more than intended

A common mistake is being unaware of things being publicly visible. This is usually because a user hasn’t switched the settings on a site or app to match what they want, giving more people authorisation to view things.

Check your social media settings on six major platforms with this clear guide from the Center for Identity at the University of Texas.

A common oversight is having one account identity inadvertently connect to another. For example, someone might use their real name and nickname on one site, but just a nickname on another. Googling could help someone link both accounts back to the real name.

Something commonly forgotten is what you share about other people. For example, if they’re in photos with you, or you mention them in a post. Your choices can affect, and maybe breach, other people’s privacy – just as theirs can yours. If you’re in doubt, ask before you post.

If it's not someone revealing more than intended
It might be that someone has taken something without permission.
It might just be that the software has been designed badly.

When you've finished, you can go back to the start or find out more about Security.