{"id":22371,"date":"2024-02-12T14:38:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T10:38:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/22371\/"},"modified":"2024-02-12T14:45:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-12T10:45:22","slug":"navigating-online-dating-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/22371\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating the risks of online dating"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating the current dating landscape can be perplexing; it\u2019s filled with apps, websites, catfishing, and lurking stalkers. While pre-Tinder dating had its challenges, it sure seemed to be less intricate.<\/p>\n<p>Complicating matters is the heightened uncertainty about the identity of your virtual conversational partner, and the disconcerting possibility of digital stalking.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, we recently commissioned a report on digital stalking to ascertain the reality of these risks and concerns. We engaged with over 21,000 participants to cast light on the alarming prevalence of digital abuse experienced by those in pursuit of love.<\/p>\n<h2>Revelations from the survey<\/h2>\n<p>As per our survey findings, 34% of respondents believe that googling or checking social media accounts of someone they\u2019ve just started dating is a form of \u201cdue diligence\u201d. While seemingly harmless, 23% reported encountering some form of online stalking from a new romantic interest, suggesting that some individuals may take a swift Google search a bit too far.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, and somewhat alarmingly, over 90% of respondents expressed a willingness to share or consider sharing passwords that grant access to their location. While seemingly innocuous on the surface, there can loom there specter of stalkerware: silent software capable of continuously tracking user whereabouts and spying on messages.<\/p>\n<h2>How to protect yourself? Tips from the experts<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve compiled advice from leading online security, dating, and safety experts to help you navigate the waters of love safely this Valentine\u2019s Day!<\/p>\n<h4>Enhanced password safety measures<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/strong-password-day\/25519\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Create complex passwords<\/a> using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/never-reuse-passwords-story\/24808\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Never reuse passwords<\/a> across different sites and apps; keep them private.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/kaspersky-password-manager-authenticator\/48841\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Use two-factor authentication<\/a> for an added layer of security.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-someone-tries-to-hack-you\/49175\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Change your password immediately<\/a> if you\u2019ve shared it with someone you\u2019ve been dating but are no longer in touch with.<\/li>\n<li>Use a <a href=\"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/password-manager?icid=me-en_kdailyplacehold_acq_ona_smm__onl_b2c_kasperskydaily_wpplaceholder____kpm___\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">password manager<\/a>\u00a0to keep all your passwords strong and safe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Proactive verification techniques of online dating profiles<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Reverse_image_search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Run a reverse-image search<\/a> for that profile; if it appears on multiple pages under various names, it\u2019s likely a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Catfishing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">catfisher<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Look for inconsistencies in daters\u2019 stories and profile details.<\/li>\n<li>Be wary of sudden, intense expressions of love, or requests for money.<\/li>\n<li>Use video calls to verify a dater\u2019s identity before meeting in person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Maximizing online dating profile security:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Conduct your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/personal-threat-landscape\/48280\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">privacy audit<\/a> of your social media accounts to understand what\u2019s publicly visible.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/privacy.kaspersky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Customize your privacy settings<\/a> to control who can see your posts and personal information.<\/li>\n<li>Regularly review your friends\/followers list to ensure you know who has access to your information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Strategic sharing guidelines:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid posting details that could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/doxing-of-women\/46812\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">disclose your location, workplace, or routines<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Think twice before sharing emotionally charged or intimate content.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/twitch-streamers-privacy-and-security-howto\/48791\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Be mindful of metadata or other identifiable clues<\/a> in photos (like geotags) that can reveal your identity, location, or details you\u2019d rather keep private.<\/li>\n<li>Set personal boundaries on the type of information you share early on in a relationship; only reveal personal details gradually as trust builds over time.<\/li>\n<li>Listen to your instincts \u2013 if something feels off, take a step back and give yourself a moment.<\/li>\n<li>Consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/doxing-methods\/39651\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">how the data you share could be used<\/a> to piece together a profile or compromise your physical safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Comprehensive safety plan for offline meetings:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Choose well-lit, public places for initial meetings.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid sharing or displaying personal items that might reveal your address or sensitive information.<\/li>\n<li>Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting place.<\/li>\n<li>Have a check-in system with a friend or family member.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As we embrace the possibilities for romance and connection in the digital age, let\u2019s not forget the importance of our safety and wellbeing. By implementing these strategies, you can confidently explore the world of online dating while safeguarding both your digital and physical self. For more details, please take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/media.kasperskydaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2024\/02\/09171730\/Safe-Dating-booklet-02-24-v8.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">safe dating guide<\/a>. And our <a href=\"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/premium?icid=me-en_bb2022-kdplacehd_acq_ona_smm__onl_b2c_kdaily_lnk_sm-team___kprem___\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">premium security solution<\/a>\u00a0with identity protection and privacy features can help you <em>keep calm and carry on\u2026 dating!<\/em><\/p>\n<input type=\"hidden\" class=\"category_for_banner\" value=\"premium-generic\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Online dating is great for those looking for love \u2013 but beware the risks!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":437,"featured_media":22372,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1225,1486,9],"tags":[2088,2305,1523,296,2431,43,700,97,2546,521],"class_list":{"0":"post-22371","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-privacy","8":"category-threats","9":"category-tips","10":"tag-tips","11":"tag-cyberstalking","12":"tag-dating","13":"tag-online-dating","14":"tag-online-stalking","15":"tag-privacy","16":"tag-research","17":"tag-security-2","18":"tag-stalking","19":"tag-threats"},"hreflang":[{"hreflang":"en-ae","url":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/22371\/"},{"hreflang":"en-in","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.co.in\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/27061\/"},{"hreflang":"ar","url":"https:\/\/me.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/11396\/"},{"hreflang":"en-us","url":"https:\/\/usa.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/29727\/"},{"hreflang":"en-gb","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.co.uk\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/27206\/"},{"hreflang":"es-mx","url":"https:\/\/latam.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/27027\/"},{"hreflang":"es","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.es\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/29624\/"},{"hreflang":"it","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.it\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/28524\/"},{"hreflang":"tr","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com.tr\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/12034\/"},{"hreflang":"x-default","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/50555\/"},{"hreflang":"fr","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.fr\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/21451\/"},{"hreflang":"pt-br","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com.br\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/22220\/"},{"hreflang":"de","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.de\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/30886\/"},{"hreflang":"ja","url":"https:\/\/blog.kaspersky.co.jp\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/35759\/"},{"hreflang":"nl","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.nl\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/28998\/"},{"hreflang":"en-au","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.com.au\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/33243\/"},{"hreflang":"en-za","url":"https:\/\/www.kaspersky.co.za\/blog\/navigating-online-dating-risks\/32866\/"}],"acf":[],"banners":"","maintag":{"url":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/tag\/online-dating\/","name":"online dating"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/437"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22371"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22371\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22373,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22371\/revisions\/22373"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22372"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}