Quizzes That Put Your Privacy at Risk
By Greg Collier
Social media often presents itself as a harmless space for lighthearted interaction. Among the most popular features are quizzes that ask questions ranging from travel habits to favorite fictional characters. While they may appear entertaining, these activities can present real risks when it comes to online security. According to a recent report from FOX5 Las Vegas, cybercriminals are increasingly using these quizzes to gather information that can be exploited for identity theft and account breaches.
Questions about travel, for example, may indicate whether someone possesses a passport or other forms of identification. Details about a hometown, school, or even where a relationship began can serve as valuable clues to common security questions used for account recovery. Seemingly playful questions about favorite characters or entertainment choices may also reveal hints that help criminals guess or refine password attempts.
The information given in these quizzes may appear trivial, but once placed in the wrong hands, it can be exploited to commit identity theft or gain access to sensitive accounts. What makes this even more concerning is that criminals rarely rely on a single source. Information shared through quizzes can be combined with details found in public records, leaked databases, or shopping and job websites. When layered together, these fragments create a fuller profile that makes it easier for someone with malicious intent to compromise personal or financial security.
The most effective approach is to avoid providing personal information in these quizzes altogether. Adjusting privacy and security settings to the highest available levels is also strongly recommended. Beyond individual action, awareness is critical. Sharing the risks with others helps limit the reach of cybercriminals who frequently exploit social connections to target additional victims.
Online engagement can be enjoyable, but the need for vigilance has never been greater. Thinking carefully about the information shared publicly is one of the simplest and most powerful tools available for protecting personal data. A good rule of thumb is that if something online feels harmless or “just for fun,” it is worth pausing to ask who benefits from the information before participating.
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