Does Cambridge Analytica sound familiar? We’ll give you a hint, it has a little something to do with data mining and Facebook profiles.
Cambridge Analytica, a London-based elections consultancy, has recently been scrutinized for using data mined from Facebook through the “thisisyourdigitallife” app to target users during recent elections.
How could Facebook let them do this? Well, applications have their own privacy policies. When you agree to them, you may be allowing the apps to view and use your data. Since apps are third parties, they are able to take advantage of this data in ways you may not be comfortable with.
Similarly, social media sites’ privacy policies are difficult to understand, which is why it’s important to make sure you update your privacy settings. Some countries like the UK are even making stricter laws like the recent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to assure that personal information is protected.
While many users think they are harmlessly adding information to their profiles, this information can be used for targeted ads, sold to marketers, or worse, sold into the black market. Facebook has even admitted to using 98 different data points to target advertisements.
Assure that you and your data are safe on social media like Facebook and Twitter by using this guide.
It’s important to follow these tips and be wary of what it is we are sharing with our online communities. Keep passwords up-to-date and understand privacy policies, making sure that you have an idea on what’s being shared and to whom.
Keep your social media secure and browse the web anonymously with a VPN. VPNs can ensure that your online sessions are private all the time. Use this visual to be mindful of the data you share on your accounts, and be sure to occasionally read through privacy policies, and update your privacy settings accordingly.
Sources:
Recode | USC Annenberg | Best Computer Science Schools | LinkedIn | Trusted Reviews | Time | Texas Wesleyan | Pure Moderation | CNBC | Facebook | Instagram | ico. | Twitter
Panda Security specializes in the development of endpoint security products and is part of the WatchGuard portfolio of IT security solutions. Initially focused on the development of antivirus software, the company has since expanded its line of business to advanced cyber-security services with technology for preventing cyber-crime.
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7 comments
I don’t understand almost all information on this. I’m 76 and I have not been trained on this. What I know I’ve learned myself, which isn’t much. I wish I understood more but unable to do so. Thank you for helping me.
Hi Claudia,
What would you need help with? We are willing to help.
Kind regards,
Panda Security.
I don’t understand what other comment that you require of me. sorry
Hi Claudia,
How can we help?
Kind regards,
Panda Security.
Social networking has taken SEO trends and techniques to a whole new level, businesses get to know more about customers and their needs than ever before. Very informative article ever.
I don’t understand VPN. I just downloaded it to my phone, hit “open” and get message “unable to open file”.
Hi Patty,
Good morning,
Would you mind sending us a screen shot of that message that appears when you try to open the VPN to cxo@pandasecurity.com please?
One of our tech experts will contact you shortly.
Regards,