Don’t Post That Photo Of Your Keys !
In today’s world of social media, it’s easy to want to share every moment, from a new car to the keys to your first home. But that seemingly innocent photo of your keys could be a blueprint for disaster. What many people don’t realize is that those little pieces of metal contain a wealth of information that can be used against you.
Here are five reasons why you should never post a photo of your keys online, plus other smart internet security tips to keep you safe.
1. Your Keys Are a Digital Blueprint
This is the most critical reason. Every key has a unique “bitting code” – the specific pattern of cuts and grooves that allow it to open your lock. With modern technology, a high-resolution photo is all a skilled individual needs to “sight-read” that code. Software can analyze the key’s shape and use known reference points to determine the exact depths of each cut. This digital blueprint can then be used to create a physical duplicate with a 3D printer or a key-cutting machine.
2. Location, Location, Location
If you post a picture of your keys, it’s often accompanied by other information that gives away your location. A photo of a new home with the caption “Just got the keys!” or a picture of your car keys with a landmark in the background can provide a criminal with both the key’s blueprint and your physical address. Even without a caption, a photo’s metadata (EXIF data) can contain geolocation information.
3. Identity Theft and Other Personal Information
The key isn’t the only thing a savvy thief is looking for. A photo of your keys often includes other items, like a car fob, a work badge, or even a branded keychain from a gym or a business. This gives a thief clues about your life, your routine, and where they might find you or your valuable belongings.
4. It’s a Low-Effort, High-Reward Crime
Creating a key from a photo is easier and less risky for a thief than picking a lock or breaking a window. It allows them to enter your home or vehicle without causing any damage, making a break-in less noticeable. The worst-case scenario is that a thief duplicates your key, replaces the original, and you are completely unaware that your home is compromised until it’s too late.
5. You’re Giving a Key to Friends-of-Friends
Your social media privacy settings may be set to “Friends Only,” but what about their friends? The internet makes it easy for content to be saved and shared with people you don’t know, and you can’t control who sees it once it’s out there. That simple photo could be viewed by hundreds of people outside of your trusted network.
Other Helpful Internet Tricks to Stay Smart Online
The risks of sharing key photos are a great example of the hidden dangers of oversharing online. Here are some other general tips to help you stay safe and smart:
- Turn Off Geolocation: Disable location services on your camera app or for your social media apps. If you want to tag a location, do it after you’ve left the area.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a different password for every account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store them securely.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password.
- Be Wary of Phishing: Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from emails or messages, even if they appear to be from someone you know. If something looks off, it’s always best to go directly to the official website or contact the person through a different method to verify.
- Check Your Privacy Settings: Regularly review your privacy settings on all social media platforms. Make sure you understand who can see your posts, photos, and personal information.
Protecting yourself online is a continuous effort. By being mindful of what you share and following basic security practices, you can significantly reduce your risk and enjoy the internet safely.
References
https://www.instructables.com/Make-a-Copy-of-the-Key-from-a-Photo/
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