Stop sending your identity via email or WhatsApp
Online scams and cybercrimes carried out using email, WhatsApp and other digital apps continue to affect smartphone users across the world.
Despite multiple warnings in the media, including this article on WhatsApp scams published on our blog recently, the number of these incidents continues to rise.
As a responsible provider of encrypted cloud backup and data security we are mindful of just how easy it is to be lulled into a false sense of digital security. As such, we feel it’s only right that we follow up on our guide to the best email security practices with a word of caution for WhatsApp and regular email users who may be requested to send copies of their ID document or passport electronically using the app or by email.
We take a closer look at the risks involved in sending personal information in the form of photos and screenshots via messaging apps and why you should avoid doing this at all costs.
could you WhatsApp me a copy of your ID?
the answer is NO
Whether it’s a travel agent, the doctor’s office, your insurance company, or even a relative, anyone who asks you to send them a photo or screenshot of your passport or ID document may be setting you up to become a victim of cybercrime, whether they know it or not.
- Many people believe that the encryption technology used to send WhatsApp messages offers full protection from data theft. However, encryption only works in the split-second it takes to transfer information between two devices.
- Once a copy of your ID or passport is on someone else’s phone, it can easily fall into the wrong hands.
Next time someone asks you to send them a scan or photo of your ID document, you’ll be doing a great deal for your own data security by saying NO.
There are other methods of sharing your ID number, including doing so over the phone on a voice call, once you have verified that the caller is genuine of course!
There may also be certain situations when you’re requested to provide a copy of your ID even though it’s not legally necessary. You can always check with the person requesting this document whether there’s another way to verify your identity that doesn’t put your personal information at risk.
keep copies of your ID safe in the cloud
Keeping electronic copies of your personal ID documents on a hard drive or flash disk is risky. If you want to keep this kind of information on hand, it’s always best to store it in the cloud using fully encrypted storage.
It’s time to ask questions about your online security and acknowledge that sending your personal data out via email or messaging apps puts you at risk. It’s your data and you can ensure it’s protected with our range of secure cloud storage packages that will help keep all your sensitive information safe. Contact us today to learn more.