This article discusses some of the security and privacy issues related to Pinterest and other similar social media platforms. We go through three top questions one may have about the security practices on Pinterest.
What is Pinterest, and how does it work?
Pinterest is a social networking platform that operates on the principle of getting their users to connect with one another over their 'interests'. Users can share pictures and videos by pinning them (or posting them) on their own or others' boards and browse through what others in their interests have 'pinned' too.
Starting an account on Pinterest is really easy. You can either log in to one with your Facebook or Twitter accounts, or provide an email address to have your new account anchored to.
The option to link your Facebook and Twitter account is there so that Pinterest can immediately connect you with your friends on there with your friends on Pinterest too.
However, if you are just venturing into Pinterest, we highly recommend using an email address, and not your main one too, if that option is available. In the digital age today where data is power, you do not want to be giving out information to multiple social media platforms too easily. Things like your friends and contacts on your other social media accounts, if pulled by the database on Pinterest, could be useful for them to make profits out of.
As far as good practices on the net goes, it is important to surf with a VPN service such as VPN Proxy Vault so that you are assured a peace of mind with regards to your data when surfing the net today.
Let's look at the other possible security concerns of Pinterest.
You cannot safely click on pictures on Pinterest
Pinterest has been known to be flooded by span in the community nowadays. It has even motivated some to leave the aesthetic-driven social media platform in recent years.
A random search on the site for a particular theme of pictures may seem innocent but a wrong click somewhere could lead you to a spammy link, an amazon shopping site or in other cases, some dodgy-looking "online competition" that opens your computer or mobile up to a host of viruses.
Spammers can make use of multiple accounts and multiple boards to upload seemingly innocent images that mask a sinister link within. They use link shorteners so there's no way of knowing the real site until you click on the image. Spammers have even used the credible name of BBC to set up their false links to get clicks to their suspicious sites.
There's no real way of protecting yourself against such unreliable links that have flooded Pinterest until Pinterest finds a way to stop spammers.
However, it is important that when surfing the net, especially on unsecured social media networks like Pinterest, that you use a VPN service.
A VPN service can help to hide your IP address and ensure that your activities remain encrypted and untraceable except to its server. This way, if in case you come across any dangerous and malicious websites while serving Pinterest, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your accidental access has not been logged to put your personal safety in jeopardy.
You cannot use pictures from Pinterest for yourself
In general, you cannot use the pictures (no matter how pretty you find them) for your own use. In the case that you really need the pictures though, check if the owner has granted permission in the form of a free license for others to use.
The best way to get around this is to simply ask the owner or use account of the image. Be sure to note that you have to ask the ORGINIAl owner and not just the Pinterest account holder if they are simply reposting from elsewhere too.
Beware of fake accounts
Fake accounts are aplenty on Pinterest too, and this becomes especially a problem when you are seeking to collaborate with others on your public boards. This issue is like on any other social media platforms, just that in Pinterest's case, the risk is worsened by the fact that there are no verification processes for users whatsoever.
Be wary of accounts that have reached out to follow or collaborate with you first. Check to see if they are relatively new accounts, and if so, it is best to avoid them for now. If they tend to post the same repeated posts, are not clean in style and appearance or are not posting tasteful content or images, there could be a high chance that these accounts are fake.
You vs Pinterest
Pinterest, despite its many possible pitfalls, has seen steady success over recent years because of its innovative principles and genuine intentions to connect people across interests. Its aesthetically pleasing dashboards are a treat for the eyes too. Like every other social networking platform today though, it is best that we enjoy them with our best internet surfing practices. Use the tips above, download VPN Proxy Vault for that added protection, and then "Pin" away!