Nihilinux » Information Gathering, Social Networking » The Power of Social Networking
The Power of Social Networking
Do you want to know somethings about a person? Do you want to learn about an individual’s intimate details? Do you desire to understand you target’s patterns?
Then continue to read…
Social networking (SN) websites are great places to make new friends that share similar interests. It is also a great place to get some ideas. Additionally, the fact that is is possible to be involved in various networks with others from all over the globe is an amazing feat in itself.
However, a much darker side of social networking exists…
The type of information that can be collected from these types of networks can range from the most basic information to the most detailed. For example, email addresses, phone numbers, resident location(s), work related details, family members and leisure activities. These examples can continue to make a rather long lists from just one member.
EXERCISE ONE
For those of you that play social networking games, such as, Mafia Wars by Zynga, typically require at some point to have, at least, 501 members to effectively play the game. Choose a member’s profile page and gather as much information from what the individual has chose to share with the world and develop your own interpretation. The interpretation is either assumed or may contain a degree of accuracy.
– End Exercise –
Some profiles have become quite complacent over a period of time. Pictures can tell what an individual’s interests are. Photos that are uploaded to these (SN) sites can be configured to show names, places, events and other significant information for anyone to obtain.
Some individuals choose to have their email address and phone numbers displayed as general information. Some have specific networks that they are a part of. For example, on Facebook, a network might suggest the city and state of an individual’s residence, a place that their leisure time is spent or some other significant reason.
Profile the individual’s profile…Get a feel of their personality, interests, hobbies, (extra) curricular activities and other variables…In essence, when profiling…become one with the profile (for information gathering purposes). This might look and/or sound silly, but target information leads to other information that could be advantageous.
APPLICATIONS
The reasons for social applications is to bring people to a higher plain that suggests communication with others on different levels. Some applications do this very well, while other applications might take a different approach, they are just as effective in their own way. These applications could suggest an individual’s thoughts, desires and/or particular problems that they might be facing at the moment.
WALLS
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the information on these profiles are publicly available. Anyone can obtain this information which could be used in various ways against a member of the social networking community. Individuals are not the only victims that are vulnerable to this type of an attack, organizations can become vulnerable as well.
Attempt to secure your information that you choose to share with the world. If you don’t know how, find someone that may be able to help you privatize you information.
We welcome any and all helpful ideas, questions, comments and suggestions.
–GeS
Filed under: Information Gathering, Social Networking · Tags: Information Gathering