Cybersecurity experts advise users to adjust social media privacy settings now
Security advisers warn that social media profiles contain personal details scammers use for identity theft during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October 2026.
Personal data risks online
Social media profiles act as a source of information for criminals seeking to commit phishing or identity theft. Users often share details like birthdays and family photos that help attackers build detailed dossiers on individuals. These seemingly harmless pieces of information can be combined to create convincing impersonation attempts against victims.
National guidance on controls
The UK National Cyber Security Centre states that privacy settings are designed to keep personal data accessible only to the account holder. Their advice suggests adjusting platform options to limit who can view posts or contact a user directly. Controlling visibility helps reduce the attack surface available to cybercriminals without removing the ability to socialize online.
Specific settings to change
Experts recommend flipping specific privacy switches on each platform to stop strangers from finding profiles or contacting accounts. Even small details like pet names or tagged locations can provide ammunition for someone trying to guess security questions. Making these adjustments now allows users to maintain online fun while significantly lowering their risk of targeted attacks.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.