Who doesn’t love snapping adorable pictures of our pets and sharing them on social media? Whether it’s Waffles the labradoodle performing a high-five, or your tabby’s latest hiding spot, our pets are stars in our online lives.
But there’s something you might not know: those cute posts could be giving cyber criminals the clues they need to crack your passwords. Hackers use social media to launch what’s called ‘brute force’ and ‘dictionary attacks’. But there are some simple ways to help stop them from getting their claws on your accounts.
What are brute force and dictionary attacks?
Brute force attack: Imagine trying to get into your house by testing every key on your keyring until one works. In the digital world, cyber criminals use automated tools to try thousands of password combinations until they hit the jackpot.
Dictionary attack: This method is a type of brute force attack — but a bit more cunning. Instead of random guesses, attackers use a list of common words and phrases— such as “password123” or “Rex2024.” These lists often include words people are likely to use, such as pet names, favourite footy teams, or birth dates.
How social media can make you a sitting duck for cyber crime
So how does social media play into this? Think about what you share online:
Pet names: You might use your pet’s name in your password or security questions. If you’ve posted, “Bundy loves his morning beach runs!”, that’s a clue for attackers to try “Bundy” in a dictionary attack.
Personal details: Birth dates, anniversaries, and even hobbies can be used. If your password is “Fluffball2018,” an attacker could easily guess this if they know Fluffball is your cat and you got her in 2018.
Hashtags and posts: Ever used a hashtag like #OllieTheKelpie or #MissyTheMoggy? While these are cute, they’re also searchable, making it easier for cyber criminals to connect the dots.
The danger of oversharing online
It’s not just your passwords at risk. Oversharing on social media can also help criminals answer security questions—such as the name of your first pet, your favourite holiday spot, or where you went to school. If this information is publicly available on your Instagram or Facebook profile, it can be used to reset your passwords or even gain access to your accounts.

How to stay safe
Don’t worry—you don’t have to stop sharing photos of your groomed goldendoodle, cuddly cockapoo or that mischievous ginger tabby. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Use strong, long passwords: Create complex passwords or passphrases that are tough to guess. Avoid using easily accessible info like pet names. A password manager can help keep track of them all.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone, making it harder for attackers to break in.
Be mindful of what you share: Limit the amount of personal information you post. It’s okay to share your pet’s name, but avoid using it in your passwords or security questions.
Review privacy settings: Regularly check your social media privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Limiting access to friends and family can reduce the risk of information falling into the wrong hands.
In conclusion
Educate yourself: Stay informed about cyber security risks and best practices. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.