There’s nothing wrong with going on vacation and sharing pictures, status updates and check-ins on Facebook. Your family and friends want to see “selfies” at the beach, snapshots of a night out on the town and photos of beautiful tropical scenery.
Sharing these updates while you’re still away, however, might be a costly mistake. While Facebook photos and videos keep your friends and loved ones up-to-date on your current status, they might also be putting your home and all of your possessions at risk.
Facebook: A Breeding Ground for Predators
Facebook and other social media can be prime territory for predators hoping to turn your updates into opportunities. But what can you do to protect yourself?
Here’s what the experts say:
- Change all of your settings to “private,” and only connect with people you know and trust on Facebook. Disable your GPS settings, too, because Facebook’s default setting lets your current location pop up every time you share something. Whether you’re posting during a weekend away or you’re halfway across the world, anyone who can see your posts knows where you are.
- Post your vacation pictures after you get home. While it may be fun to show off what a great time you’re having, hold off on sharing until you’re back on home turf. When would-be burglars finally see your posted photos, they’ll already be too late. (As a side note, it’s a good idea to have a trusted neighbor keep watch over your home and report any strange activity while you’re away.)
- Invest in a smart home security system. Tech reviewing experts at CNET suggest a system like SimpliSafe Home Security. SimpliSafe is a wireless, multifunctional system that offers live monitoring, allows you to manage settings from your smartphone or laptop, and runs on lithium batteries that last about 5 years. The system will keep running even if you lose power.
- Control your home’s settings from a distance with an app like Nest. It’s a smart system that can control multiple devices in your home through a sophisticated platform. For example, when you’re away on vacation, Nest Thermostat will switch into “away” mode while triggering LIFX, which will automatically turn lights on and off. This gives the appearance that someone is actually home, hopefully fooling potential intruders.
Your vacation should be a relaxing time to enjoy yourself… but while you’re away, don’t invite trouble through social media. Be aware of what you share!
Security and Your Custom Home
Carbine and Associates can build a security system right into your home. We also specialize in Smart Home technology (we built the HGTV 2014 Smart Home).
Call us at 615-661-9995 or fill out our online contact form. We’d love to talk about your needs and create the perfect home for you and yours.
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