From Instagram Reel to Data Breach: The Perils of Sharing Your Personal Data Online
Good day people, This is Gnana Aravind, an ethical hacker and cybersecurity enthusiast. Here is a blog after a long period, narrating a awareness story. I often come across instances that highlight the need for better security awareness and the importance of protecting sensitive information. Recently, I stumbled upon a social media post that serves as a perfect cautionary tale, demonstrating the risks associated with sharing personal and organizational data online.
In this digital age, we all use social media platforms to share our lives, experiences, and accomplishments. It's a great way to connect with friends and followers, but it can also be a breeding ground for potential security risks. Let me share with you a story that should make you think twice before posting certain information online and that helped me to write this blog.
The Instagram Reel That Raised Concerns
I came across an Instagram reel where an individual proudly displayed her work identity card. This identity card contained critical information, such as her name, a photo, and an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) number. While the mobile number was blurred, the other data was clearly visible. The motive behind this post was to gain more followers and showcase the process of transferring the photo from the identity card to a real one.
The Chain of Events
As a security researcher, I couldn't help but investigate further. My main concern was the potential risks posed by this post. I took the following steps to understand the implications and raise awareness:
Identifying the Company: I looked up the company mentioned in the identity card to learn more about it.
Accessing the ERP Portal: The identity card also displayed an ERP code, and I found that the company had an ERP portal for its employees.
Gaining Access: Using the disclosed ERP code, I attempted to access the portal, but I needed a password. To my surprise, I discovered a "Forgot Password" feature.
Obtaining an OTP: Through various methods, I managed to obtain the OTP (One-Time Password) meant to be sent to the user's mobile number.
Changing the Password: With the OTP in hand, I was able to change the password (but I didn't proceed), gaining full access to the ERP portal. This portal contained a wealth of sensitive information about the organization and other employees, including name, address, mobile number, mail id and few other sensitive data's.
The Lessons Learned
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with sharing sensitive data on social media platforms. Here are some important takeaways:
Protect Your Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal or work-related data, such as ID cards or documents, online. It can put your privacy and security at risk.
Think Before You Post: Consider the potential consequences of what you're sharing. Even seemingly harmless information can be exploited by malicious actors.
Be Cautious with OTPs: One-time passwords are meant to verify your identity. Be extremely cautious with them, and never share them with anyone.
Organizational Data Security: Organizations need to be vigilant about protecting their sensitive data. Implementing strong security measures is crucial.
Awareness is Key: Educate yourself and others about online security. A little awareness can go a long way in preventing cyberattacks and data breaches.
In conclusion, this real-life scenario highlights the critical need for online privacy and security. It’s a wake-up call for both individuals and organizations to take their digital safety seriously. By being cautious about what we share online, we can mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats and protect our sensitive data. Remember, the internet can be a double-edged sword, so always stay vigilant and stay safe. At last if you find this blog worthy and as an awareness content, kindly share it with your friends and family.
Ok lets, get connected !
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