All popular messaging apps offer privacy and anonymity settings. However, after surveying friends and acquaintances, we found that only one in five account owners uses this feature. What is user profile privacy in a messenger app, how does it relate to cybersecurity, and why should you consider security settings?
You probably use instant messaging apps — the most convenient communication tools. And you know what security measures you need to take to avoid becoming a victim of scams:
However, these measures are not enough to ensure complete security in the digital space. It's equally important to consider privacy (depersonalization). That is, what information about yourself you're willing to disclose. It's no secret that a wealth of data about a person can be found in open sources, and then used to create a "digital identity" and use it at one's own discretion. And this isn't just about cybercriminals and scammers. A "digital identity" can become the basis for cyberbullying, stalking, harassment, and other forms of persecution.
Messenger developers have made sure you can customize your privacy settings to suit your needs. Typically, three options are offered: information can be shared with everyone, your contacts, or no one. However, some messengers offer more granular controls, such as creating "blacklists" and "whitelists" of contacts.
Unfortunately, many people don't know this. After speaking with people close to us, we found that 8 out of 10 people, after installing a messenger, immediately use it with the default security settings. And they don't even realize that their personal data becomes accessible to all messenger users. So, what information about yourself can you hide?
Remember that today, a phone number has effectively become an identity identifier — it's linked to numerous accounts, including those on government services and at banks. Furthermore, phone calls remain a primary tool for scammers. If your phone number falls into their hands, it will take considerable effort to get rid of unwanted calls. Also, remember that scammers are increasingly calling messaging apps, using deepfake technology to enhance their credibility. And the most serious risk is scammers "hijacking" your phone number, for example, by reissuing a SIM card using a fake power of attorney.
Messenger developers offer account owners the ability to decide who can see their phone number or call them through the messenger — anyone or a limited list. If the messenger doesn't have such a setting, you can, for example, mute calls from unknown numbers.
Also, consider the notification feature that tells you when you last logged into Messenger. Are you ready to share your activity with everyone, just your contacts, or no one at all? The decision is yours.
Banning you from being added to groups doesn't mean you can't join them. However, you'll only be able to do so on your own initiative, by sending a request to the administrator. Banning links to your account will limit the dissemination of information about you. These are all recommended additional measures to combat scammers.
Remember that the less information you share about yourself, the harder it will be for scammers to obtain it. So, think carefully about what information you're willing to share and with whom, and then proceed to setting up your messenger's privacy settings.
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You probably use instant messaging apps — the most convenient communication tools. And you know what security measures you need to take to avoid becoming a victim of scams:
- use two-factor authentication to log in;
- do not add strangers to your contact list;
- don't reply to their messages;
- Be careful with sent links and files;
- delete copies of documents you sent.
However, these measures are not enough to ensure complete security in the digital space. It's equally important to consider privacy (depersonalization). That is, what information about yourself you're willing to disclose. It's no secret that a wealth of data about a person can be found in open sources, and then used to create a "digital identity" and use it at one's own discretion. And this isn't just about cybercriminals and scammers. A "digital identity" can become the basis for cyberbullying, stalking, harassment, and other forms of persecution.
Messenger developers have made sure you can customize your privacy settings to suit your needs. Typically, three options are offered: information can be shared with everyone, your contacts, or no one. However, some messengers offer more granular controls, such as creating "blacklists" and "whitelists" of contacts.
Unfortunately, many people don't know this. After speaking with people close to us, we found that 8 out of 10 people, after installing a messenger, immediately use it with the default security settings. And they don't even realize that their personal data becomes accessible to all messenger users. So, what information about yourself can you hide?
Phone number and the ability to call in messenger
All messaging apps are linked to a phone number. If someone else has it in their phone book, they'll see all your messaging accounts. But do you want your phone number available to everyone?Remember that today, a phone number has effectively become an identity identifier — it's linked to numerous accounts, including those on government services and at banks. Furthermore, phone calls remain a primary tool for scammers. If your phone number falls into their hands, it will take considerable effort to get rid of unwanted calls. Also, remember that scammers are increasingly calling messaging apps, using deepfake technology to enhance their credibility. And the most serious risk is scammers "hijacking" your phone number, for example, by reissuing a SIM card using a fake power of attorney.
Messenger developers offer account owners the ability to decide who can see their phone number or call them through the messenger — anyone or a limited list. If the messenger doesn't have such a setting, you can, for example, mute calls from unknown numbers.
Profile photo and last seen time
Your photo and personal information in your profile help verify that the account is truly yours. But consider whether you really want strangers to see this information. Consider your digital identity and the risks associated with it. Perhaps it's better to limit access to your personal information, for example, by making it visible only to your contacts.Also, consider the notification feature that tells you when you last logged into Messenger. Are you ready to share your activity with everyone, just your contacts, or no one at all? The decision is yours.
Ability to act on your account
Privacy settings often include options to choose who can add you to groups and link to your account when forwarding messages.Banning you from being added to groups doesn't mean you can't join them. However, you'll only be able to do so on your own initiative, by sending a request to the administrator. Banning links to your account will limit the dissemination of information about you. These are all recommended additional measures to combat scammers.
IP address and location information
An IP address on the internet is like a postal address in real life. For increased security, it's best to hide your IP address and geolocation data. This can be done, for example, by enabling peer-to-peer connection security settings. In this case, the recipient won't be able to see your IP address, as the connection will go through the messenger developer's servers. However, there are limitations: this setting can degrade connection quality, as the connection to the recipient will not be direct.Remember that the less information you share about yourself, the harder it will be for scammers to obtain it. So, think carefully about what information you're willing to share and with whom, and then proceed to setting up your messenger's privacy settings.
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