Research shows that posting on social media can compromise your home security. The range of platforms currently available offer popular tools which make your post more interesting. However the same tools can increase your risk of falling victim to a break in.

The Stats on Social [Media] Security

72% of all internet users are on social media. There is no criminal screening before signing up to a social media platform. This means that some people on social media could be the same people who are carrying out crimes. In fact, crime specialists suggest that criminals can use street view combined with information gleaned from your check ins and posts to find the best way into your property.

#NotAtHome

Forty per cent of all Facebook users tag their location when they go on holiday. It is these location sharing features which can leave your home vulnerable to a break in. Anyone who can see that you have tagged yourself in the location knows you’re not at home.

But: If you can’t post a beach brag on social media, what’s it even for? Those #SorryNotSorry posts are totally fine, provided you’re only making people you know jealous. It is really easy to update your privacy preferences to ensure that only your friends can see your location and your posts. This flags up the important point that we ought to consider carefully who we accept a friend or follow request from.

#Influencer

One in every five Instagram accounts is public, and can be viewed by anyone. It’s worth checking your privacy on here to ensure only people you actually know can see posts which give away details of your whereabouts. If you’d prefer to keep your profile open as you’re an #influencer, consider carefully any details available to give clues as to where you live, and when you’re not at home.

Even Twitter allows you to close your account to non followers. All platforms have tools to tweak individual posts and photos so you could keep your account open and post pictures to a private album for only close friends to see. Next time you’re online, have a play around with the privacy setting.

Step one is to lock down your social media. Step two is to speak to your family about their social media security. This is what being an influencer is all about! Maybe you could even do a post about how you’ve locked down your account and why? Younger members of your family might use Snapchat or TikTok. Again, these stories and videos can give away clues about about your home and the easiest way to gain access.

Whilst over a quarter of instagram users post pictures from their holiday destination, it’s actually advisable to store up the snaps and post them after you’ve arrived home. This also means you get to switch off during your break, and look back and reminisce on those beach moments when you return.

You’ll find more holiday security tips and advice on avoiding a break in on our home security blogs.