📸 Think Before You Post: What’s Hiding in Your Photos
We all love sharing photos — whether it’s a great selfie, a new workspace, or that perfect vacation view. But here’s the thing: a single photo can reveal more than you ever intended.
A computer screen in the background, a visible security badge, a piece of mail with your address - all of these small details can give away personal or business information that scammers or identity thieves can use.
Before you post, take a second look. A quick scan can keep your private world, well… private.
For example, in the photo below, you can see private health information displayed on a computer screen — possibly a patient’s name, address, or medical details. In addition, the hygienist’s ID badge is visible. A scammer could use that image to recreate a fake badge or gain insight into what a legitimate one looks like.
Pay attention to what’s around you
🕵️♀️ Tips for Safer Photo Sharing
🖼️ Check Your Background
Before snapping or posting, look at what’s around or behind you : computer screens, paperwork, ID badges, or even family photos with names. If it’s personal, cover it, crop it, or move it out of frame.
📱 Remove Location Data (Metadata)
Your phone automatically stores where a photo was taken — and when you share that image online, the data can travel with it. Turn off “location” settings for your camera so your exact whereabouts stay private.
Here’s how to remove or stop location tracking:
➡️ iPhone:
Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
Scroll to Camera → set to Never or Ask Next Time.
To remove location info from a photo before sharing: open the photo → tap the Share icon → tap Options at the top → toggle off Location.
➡️ Android:
Open the Camera app → Settings (gear icon).
Turn off Save location or Geo-tagging.
To remove location data later: open the photo → tap Details → tap the pencil/edit icon → delete the location data.
👥 Be Selective About Sharing
If your photo includes others, especially kids or coworkers, ask before posting. Everyone deserves control over their digital footprint.
💡 Bonus Tip:
Think of every photo as a postcard — once it’s out there, anyone could see it. Make sure you’re comfortable with that before hitting “share.”
💬 Ready for a quick Digital Security Checkup?
Let’s spend 15 minutes together reviewing what you’re doing right, and where a few simple tweaks could make a big difference.
Whether it’s your passwords, backups, or online presence, you’ll walk away with clear, practical next steps to strengthen your digital security and peace of mind.
Schedule a free call with me, and take the first step toward feeling confident and in control online.
Know someone who’d appreciate this information? Forward this newsletter and help us grow everyone’s digital confidence!
🦄 Who is Suecurity?
Susan Richards aka Sue-curity
🌉 Background: Over 30 years in information technology with a passion for keeping people and data secure.
👑 Achievement: Hosts a weekly HITRUST Secrets discussion and nerds out about security topics.
☕ Quirk: An American patriot through and through, she still enjoys Irish breakfast tea in the mornings!
🎆 The Good News
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
Be safe,
