Well, if you frequent Facebook, it is probably something like “Fluffy Diamond” (your first pet and your birthstone) or “Elaine Rabbit” (your middle name and your first car).
Some of the “silly” questions ask for the street you grew up on, your favorite book or movie, your favorite character from history, the city where you met your spouse, the year you were born, etc. While this may be fun and you enjoy seeing the answers others put, it is actually a data collection scheme.
We all like to talk about ourselves. When we are asked for this information we are eager to respond. But you should refrain. Or maybe just lie. (You can go to confession later.)
We have all seen these cute quizzes that prompt you to reply in the comments with seemingly innocent information but, in reality, it is critical data that a hacker can use against you. How?
The reason it is so dangerous is because of how the information can be used. If you forget your password to log in to Facebook, Twitter, your bank account, your email, your credit card account, etc., you click on “Forgot Password” and you often have the option to answer a security question. These questions are ostensibly information that only you know. Things like, your first car, your first pet’s name, your birthstone, your zodiac sign, your favorite book/movie/president, etc. (Information that is no longer known by only you – because you answered a cute Facebook quiz.)
Just like you, a cyber criminal can also use your email address and click “Forgot Password”. Then the perpetrator resets your password and, just like that, they’re in your account and you’re locked out.
Next time you come across one of these quizzes, think twice about answering with your information. Just keep your porn name a secret and laugh quietly to yourself. You’ll be much safer in the end, “Maria Camaro”.