Show off your vote on social networks, but with caution

A Kaspersky study reveals that 42% of Mexicans consider that their family members share too much personal information on social networks, something that will be more visible this electoral period, as millions of young people will go to the polls for the first time, with the potential to share it with their loved ones. friends, putting their privacy and identity at risk.

Although the action is positive and encourages more citizens to be motivated to go to the polls, as a social media user it is recommended that you do it in the following way:

• Minimize the exposure of your biometric data. Avoid uploading a selfie with your “inked” thumb and if you do, just make sure it is at a considerable distance or that the details of your finger and fingerprint are not sharp.

• Do not post images of your INE or other official documents. These often include a registration number, signature and personal data that can facilitate identity theft. Also, do not give this document, or a photocopy of it, to anyone, no matter what they offer you in exchange.
• Be aware of the personal information you share online. Remember that everything you upload to the Internet runs the risk of falling into the wrong hands and/or can be used for doxing.
• Always check the privacy settings of your social networks. Review and adjust who can see your posts and online activity to reduce the chance of them reaching strangers.

According to Isabel Manjarrez, security researcher with Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team, one of the most common ways to steal biometric data is through this type of photographs.

Another useful recommendation is that users avoid sharing information from their INE or the polling station where they vote.

“It is a habit of digital life for users to share important events on social networks, such as voting for the first time. But we suggest that you avoid publishing photos of your inked finger or with your INE so as not to expose your fingerprint or other personal data,” Manjarrez said.

In Mexico, 21% of people have regretted posting something on social networks because it contains personal information related, among other things, to their identity, location, family or work.

A habit that will also avoid exposing information is to avoid putting the headquarters or space from where you are voting in the selfie or story you are about to publish, and even doing so at the wrong time, as it is a risk to share your location in real time.

For example, if your voting booth is on the esplanade of a school or public building, do not enter the exact location, as you are providing information about your postal address.

Also avoid uploading photos of your cast vote, that is, of the ballot, as this could cause them to be used incorrectly on social networks, in addition to exposing your image to possible attacks by bots.