Why are cybersecurity experts warning against this seemingly innocent Instagram trend

A cybersecurity specialist cautions against the seemingly harmless "Get to Know Me" trend gaining popularity on Instagram.

In recent weeks, users have been engaging with a template asking for personal information such as age, height, birthdate, tattoos, piercings, phobias, favorite season, artist, place, food, and drink.

While it may appear as innocent fun initially, Eliana Shiloh, a cyber and strategic risk analyst at Deloitte, warns that it may pose more risks than benefits.


On December 23, in a brief video, the cyber and strategic risk analyst at Deloitte confessed to nearly falling prey to the risk of sharing personal information online.

"If you participated in that Instagram trend with the questions, delete it immediately," she advised viewers. "This is a breeding ground for hackers. I began filling it out, but then I realized these are the answers to many of my security questions.”

She proceeded to express concern that hackers could exploit this trend, stating, "I've personally dealt with numerous fake accounts. This is only making matters worse."

Her cautionary message garnered over 1.5 million views, prompting numerous TikTok users to share their perspectives. However, some skeptics dismissed her points, with one suggesting she was "reaching too far.”

The Instagram "Get to Know Me" trend makes users to share details commonly found in security questions, including age, height, birthdate, tattoos, piercings, phobias, favorite season, artist, place, and preferences for food and drink.

The self-proclaimed chatterbox expert suggests that social media users might become increasingly naive, risking the possibility of sharing their Social Security numbers online.

The Department of Justice advises against sharing personal information online or incorporating it into passwords. Despite the cybersecurity risks, social media users continue to share personal details on platforms like TikTok.

One person added, "LMFAO, my responses don't relate to my security questions."

Another individual mentioned, "If your passwords or security info include such details, you should use stronger passwords."

Meanwhile, some supported Eliana's theory, with one person commenting, "This is why I never answer these trends seriously.”

FAQs:

Q1: Who is the head of Instagram?
A1: Adam Mosseri.

Q2: Who owns Instagram?
A2: Meta Platforms, Inc.