Facebook is switching users to the Timeline format. Timelines display information about each user in chronological order. It’s a privacy nightmare and a stalker’s dream come true. I chose a user who I will call Z and examined his profile. Here’s what I was able to learn in 30 minutes.
I know where Z was born.
This is the answer to a common password recovery question and tells me where to request a duplicate birth certificate if I am an identity thief.
I know Z’s academic history.
Names of schools, teams and mascots are also common password recovery questions. I can Google the school name to find team and mascot names.
I know what Z does for a living.
Z works in high tech and has tons of expensive things at home since he telecommutes. I have a great list of specific items that could be stolen from Z’s home.
I know where Z lives.
Z’s timeline includes descriptions and pictures from his moving-in day.
I know when Z is out.
He has several hobbies and social events he attends weekly. If he can’t go he always mentions it on his timeline. I have specific windows of opportunity during which I could break in without fear of encountering Z.
Z lives alone and has no pets.
If robbed, Z’s house will have no family members or guard animals.
Z is frequently alone and has no land line phone.
Knowing his schedule and his living arrangements means that if I were out to cause mayhem it would be easy to find Z home, alone, cut off from help.
I know Z’s family.
He has a kid who lives with his ex-wife. Z is a proud father and has pictures of his kid at a school play in his timeline. The school name is visible in the pictures. His kid is now at risk.
A Nightmare
What if Z was your kid instead of an adult? What harm could someone inflict if they knew about your children right down to when and where to find them alone and unable to find help?
What To Do
Learn how to set your Facebook privacy settings to conceal your personal data and teach your family to do the same. Don’t let Timeline serve your life up on s silver platter to persons unknown, and protect your kids from the risk of over-sharing.