Social Media Used as Scouting Tool

Media technology illustration with mobile phone and icons

Houston area cops have recently arrested several robbers after revealing their surprising methods to pick how they would rob houses. Essentially, they would use similar tactics to cyber criminals in phishing and social engineering. They would then use parties advertised on various social media outlets to scout potential scores. They then [1]used the same media outlets to pick a time when the homeowner was gone.

This form of social engineering to find and rob establishments is alarming but it is one of the risks of social media. Nefarious actors use such methods to find the low hanging fruit, or easy targets.

As a result, many people should take the opportunity to review your security protocols. You should also be mindful with posting on social media. One little detail could end up costing you many valuable items.

 

[1] https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/24/us/houston-burglary-gang-social-media-stakeouts/index.html

Small Business Cyber Insurance, social media, Social Engineering Attacks