subject: Do you have security trouble on your computer? part two [print this page] Do you have security trouble on your computer? part two
In part one of this series we talked about the different forms of malware that was out there. Now in this second part of the series, we will talk about the ways that you leave yourself open to security problems by how you interact with people.
This interaction can occur through the use of the internet or with people you meet with in real life. You should never give too much data about yourself to people you do not know. If you do then they can find ways to exploit the situation.
You may not see how giving the data out can be harmful but that is why you are not a criminal. You are not able to see all of the angles that they are. So let's sit down and discuss the ways that you give up too much data and how you can stop that.
Offline
When people think about exploits, they usually think about the online version. Or it might be better to say the software version. The ability to make a piece of code do something that it wouldn't normally do. Human beings do this as well. The term used is called Social Engineering.
People who have mastered the art of social engineering will get other people to do what they want and many times the other person will not even notice that they are doing it. In the past this has also been known as running a con. It is the same principle but social engineering has to do with more high tech angles.
Social Engineers will talk to you and pretend that they have one agenda when they really have another, to get data from you. They will pretend to be other people and seem to be knowledgeable about other fields but it is all just an act. They want you to feel comfortable enough with them so they are able to talk you out of whatever they need.
To stop this from happening to you, you must trust your instincts. If your instincts tell you that you are telling the person too much information then you probably are. Most people will dismiss their initial feeling as being paranoid but most of the time that initial feeling is right.
Do not let anyone con data out of you. Always be on guard and only tell the people what you want them to know. And if they are trying to get information out of you then there must be something wrong with them in the first place.
Online
The same rule goes for when you are interacting with people online as well. When you are online it is even easier to hide who you really are. This causes more people try to get information in this manner.
Make sure that you have the same guard up that you do with people you meet offline. Never give anyone too much information about yourself unless it is someone that you trust. Even then, make sure that you have known them for awhile.
Information is an important commodity these days. And people will do whatever they can to get it out of you. Make sure that you trust your instincts and do not let that happen.
