13% of users release personal data in minutes of conversation

Dating app: 13% of users release personal data in minutes of conversation

A Kaspersky Lab survey of Internet users from 32 countries shows that 13% of people who use online dating apps like Tinder, Happn and others often reveal sensitive information – such as their full name, social media profiles or home and work addresses – after chatting. online with other users for just a few minutes.

Survey reveals sloppy users with passwords and lists intrusion risks

In addition, the study found that audiences using this type of application are often twice as likely to be involved in security incidents, such as malware installation and information and identity theft.

1 of 2 Countries covered by the survey – Photo: Disclosure / Kaspersky

Countries covered by the survey – Photo: Disclosure / Kaspersky

The study was conducted through an online questionnaire with 21,081 users aged 16 and over in 32 different countries. The analyzed data corresponds to a sample of 6,458 people who admitted to using dating apps.

A portion of respondents (13%) admitted that they share sensitive data, such as their full name, social media profiles or addresses, after talking just a few minutes with other users. The number, however, is lower than those who are more cautious and wait many months (19%) before fully trusting their new contacts.

2 of 2 Users reveal personal data after months of contact – Photo: Playback / Kaspersky Lab

Users reveal personal data after months of contact – Photo: Playback / Kaspersky Lab

Kaspersky Lab points out that although the profile in an application is an important part of the dating process, this does not mean that the information shared is secure. According to the developer, many people reveal sensitive data about themselves publicly:

  • 10% of users showed their home address,
  • 10% show details about their work or family
  • 15% share photos of you or family
  • 9% show intimate images

«Revealing this data could mean that a relationship that started online can move forward quickly, with people no longer being strangers and being able to access others’ addresses or phone numbers in minutes. This is not always safe or a good thing,» he says. the report.

The analysis indicated that among the total number of people who admit to using dating apps, 41% suffered some security incident, such as infection with viruses or malware, hacked accounts or financial fraud. The number is more than double that found with users who do not have the apps (20%).

Despite this data, most respondents (61%) are concerned about the leakage of their information, while 63% fear that their devices could be infected by malware. Other fears include data theft and the use of it to track its owners (both 59%).

The survey also reveals other fears of people using social networking sites:

Common fears of accessing dating sites

Topics %
Meet someone with bad intentions (such as extortion or physical and psychological violence) 62%
Having the data stolen by putting it on the relationship service 61%
Use the information I shared to hack one of my accounts 59%
Not being able to delete all my data from the platform when giving up using it 59%
Knowing someone who is not who they say they are (name, gender or false age) 59%
Someone using information I shared to tarnish my reputation at work 57%
Being a victim of fraud when trying to help someone in a difficult time by sending them money 57%
Being recognized by people I don’t want to be recognized 56%
Being rejected by the person you would like to meet 47%
Receive phishing emails that go through online social networking sites, encouraging you to share personal information 56%