ADT’s top tips for online security

With 72% of all internet users now active on social media, it’s important to make sure everyone is aware of the impact this can have on their home security.

Social media has become very much part of everyday life, but people don’t often think about who can access the information they post. It might come as a surprise to know that 78% of burglars use Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to target potential properties.

At ADT, although we’re experts in home security, we understand that the prevention of burglary can begin outside of the home itself. By not exercising caution in what you share online, and particularly on social media, you could be increasing the risk of potential burglary without realising it.

You may not personally be inviting burglars into your home, but announcing that you’re going on holiday or uploading photos of your newest expensive purchase could amount to the same thing.

It’s also a good idea to regularly check the safety settings of your social profiles, as these can often change and you may be sharing posts with people you didn’t intend to.

At ADT we’ve put together a list of our top tips for online security to help keep your home safe. Take a look below:

1. Don’t give too much information about yourself and your life away on social media
2. Don’t tweet photos from inside your home
3. Don’t mention your address on any social media network or any sites that aren’t trusted
4. Don’t announce any risk to your home , such as a smashed window or a broken alarm
5. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know on Facebook
6. Don’t announce when you’re going on holiday
7. Don’t ‘check-in’ at airports or holiday destinations on social channels. This tells people you’re out of the country and not home
8. Only post your holiday pictures when you return home
9. Don’t geo-tag your location on social media as it tells people you’re not home
10. Don’t post photos of new expensive items you’ve bought or received as presents

Simple home security measures, such as locking your windows and doors and keeping valuables out of sight, are only part of the security solution. By doing all of this, and by following these tips on staying safe online, you’re doing more to reduce your risk of burglary.