Social networks are platforms widely used by users today. We have at our disposal a wide range of possibilities. Many services that allow us to share information with other users, stay in touch with family and friends and even give our opinion. There are many types of social networks, but if there is something common to all of them it is that our data can be exposed. In this article we will talk about it. We will explain what they could do if they manage to steal our identity in social networks.
Social networks are widely used platforms today
Keep in mind that social networks are widely used platforms by both private users and companies. There are many options that we can use. Some of the most popular are Facebook, Twitter or Instagram , but there are many more on the Internet.
We must also know that they are present in all types of platforms and operating systems. We can connect from our phones, tablets, computers … A wide range of options.
The problem of having such widely used platforms is that they are also targeted for hackers. They can set their sights on stealing user data and information. They could even use that information for criminal purposes. Let’s explain all this.
What can they do with the identity of social networks
In social networks we usually put personal information. Minimum we may put our first and last name. Sometimes even our e-mail address is exposed, as well as other data that may compromise us.
Create fake profiles
Of course one of the first measures that hackers can take to steal our personal information is simply to create fake profiles . This would supplant our identity and create profiles in other social networks and platforms.
This can be useful for several things, such as including us in spam campaigns or artificially promoting a certain service on the network. They could also create a fake profile with our name to be able to add contacts and be able to carry out hypothetical attacks.
Register on platforms
They could also register us on platforms with our data. One more way to profit at the cost of our personal information. This is something relatively simple and could be achieved simply by knowing certain personal data that we can leak on social networks.
Use our data to carry out attacks
They could impersonate our identity to carry out cyber attacks. If we receive an e-mail, for example, from a friend we will be more likely to open it than if we receive it from someone we do not know and really do not know what may be behind.
This is something that cybercriminals know and use a lot. They can steal our information to be able to send an e-mail or any message via social networks on our behalf and to any of our contacts. This way they could send a link that is actually a Phishing attack, for example, in order to fall into the trap.
Basically what they do in this case is to use our name and personal data to carry out their attacks. It is to gain the confidence of the victim through other users.
Sell the data to third parties
We already know that information on the Internet has great value today. Something they could do perfectly is sell all the data they can collect on our social networks.
There are many marketing companies that are looking for ways to get information from many users to put them in campaigns or be able to profit in some way. This is, in short, one of the issues to consider.
Attack us in a more personalized way
Something similar to what we mentioned that they can use our data to attack friends, but this time directly to us. If a hacker manages to steal our personal data to obtain relevant information, he could carry out a Phishing attack , for example, more personalized.
If we receive a generic e-mail, without our name, it is more complicated that we open it or fall into the trap than if we receive an email that is addressed to us.
In short, these are some issues that must be taken into account. Hackers could obtain our social media data for a variety of purposes.
