How much information is too much?

spy_eyeI came across this very sad and terrible story. A murderer used a social networking site to gain information on his victim and in doing so help him commit this awful crime. David Heiss, 21, from Dauborn, Germany, developed an obsession with his victim’s girlfriend, and used information the couple had posted online to plan his attack in September last year.  Matthew Pyke, 20, died of 86 stab wounds in the flat he shared with his girlfriend, Joanna Witton.

I do not want to be sensationalist, but the danger is there for people to see. I do not want to be accused of scaremongering: rather to continue to council reserve and caution about just how much information we disclose on social networking sites.  Most of the stakeholders in internet security (security vendors, ISPs, governments, businesses, NGOs) constantly put the issues of financial loss (phishing) and inconvenience (spam) in the forefront of consumer’s minds. However, we all  need to remember that security is exactly the same in the on and offline worlds. Yes, financial security is important, but there are also (fortunately less common) physical risks associated, and keeping your personal identity and information safe and secure is very important for your wellbeing. So, a little forethought and caution can and will keep you safe on-line, just as much as it would do in the real world.

May 13, 2009 | Filed Under Miscellaneous, Uncategorized 

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