The Better Business Bureau is sharing another reminder to be careful when taking any quizzes on Facebook.
"While we can’t control data breaches, we are in control of our own risky behavior. Taking Facebook quizzes may be fun, but it could be putting your information as well as your social media friends' information at risk. Recently, a pair of Ukrainian hackers used online quizzes and surveys, with titles like, 'What does your eye color say about you?' They did this to gain access to private Facebook user data and to target users with unauthorized advertisements," explained BBB's Rebecca Barr.
"The alleged hackers used a Facebook feature that helped them take control of users' internet browsers and gave them access to private information about Facebook users and their private friends' lists," Barr continued.
However, Barr says not all social media quizzes are about unprincipled data collection, but BBB still cautions users to be careful about what they share online.
"Profile data, quiz answers, and more can be used to steal your money, or let a scammer pretend to be you in order to steal someone else’s money. Now we know seemingly innocent information can even be used to build a profile on you that can be sold to anyone trying to influence society," Barr said.
So what should you do to stay safe online?
- Be cautious with your personal information. Never give out your full name, telephone number, address, etc. to a person or business you don’t know or trust.
- Don’t friend people you don’t know. Be extra cautious of what you click on from “friends” you don’t recognize.
- Use extra security features. Turn on two-factor authentication or set up a security code.
For more information and resources to keep your personal information safe, visit www.bbb.org.
