Personal Security And Safety Tips

Don't overshare on social media.

People have a tendency to post vacation pictures while far from home - but, if such information is seen by the wrong sets of eyes that it may result in attempts to rob your home. Also, do not respond to social-media invitations to events which involve all of the residents of your house - doing so can allow the general public know ahead of time that nobody will be home at a certain time. There are a lot of other examples of what not to share on societal websites - the bottom line is think twice before submitting, and, whenever possible, use technology to deal with any mistakes in this regard. (Full disclosure: SecureMySocial, of which I am the CEO, offers technology within this sector and owns a related US patent.)

Place cells in peepholes.

If you are ever staying at a hotel room which has a door having an uncovered peephole, put a crumpled tissue in the peephole so that nobody can see into your room through the peephole. Many peephole one-way technology could be defeated. In case you have a peephole with no pay in your home assume that people are able to see through it from the outside into your residence.

Never expect a door chain lock.

Whether in a hotel or in your home, never rely on door string locks for security. Even amateurs can often endanger them in seconds.

Do not let anyone see you enter sensitive information into a computerized apparatus.

With cameras ubiquitous, it's very important to block people's view of your hand when entering PIN numbers, passwords, alarm codes, your kids ' carpool pickup times, etc.. Remember, high-resolution cameras that could see clearly from far away are widely available - you might not even see a camera that is recording you.

Reveal sensitive data (when appropriate) on outbound calls, not inbound calls.

Never reveal sensitive information on calls that were put to you. If you receive a call from the credit card issuer or lender about potential fraud on your account, for instance, hang up and call back at the official telephone number printed on the rear of the appropriate card. Never provide information to someone who called you - that celebration may not be that he or she claims to be.

in the event that you carry a physical vehicle essential, keep it in your hand when walking alone, especially in parking lots.

Having your key available reduces the quantity of time between when you approach your car and when you drive away - thereby reducing your exposure to attack. Also, a physical key protruding from the knuckles as you make a closed fist can function as a strong makeshift weapon if someone does try to strike you.