BigChicken
July 17th, 2007, 18:34
You might have already heard this. I got it last year, but for anyone that hasn't
Security Advisory; OPSEC Alert Google Search Engine
Google has implemented a feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar, hit enter, and you will be given any information tied to that number (i.e., the person’s name, address, and physical location). If the search turns up a physical location associated to that number it also provides a link via MapQuest and you will be provided with a map of the specific physical location. Additionally, if someone is looking for a cell phone number, there is an option to purchase the locator information for a minimal fee.
Everyone should be aware of this! This is a powerful search engine and for example by putting in the following number 202-456-1414, you will get all the information associated with that number the engine can find. That said, if anyone (maybe a child or elderly adult) gives out his/her phone number, someone could now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious. Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked.
We have provided the number above so you can see how this works. You can look up your own number if you choose. In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: Google (http://www.google.com/.) Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) then hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours. Check your own number and although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, but you may know someone who needs to know this. Please share this information with family, friends and co-workers.
Security Advisory; OPSEC Alert Google Search Engine
Google has implemented a feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar, hit enter, and you will be given any information tied to that number (i.e., the person’s name, address, and physical location). If the search turns up a physical location associated to that number it also provides a link via MapQuest and you will be provided with a map of the specific physical location. Additionally, if someone is looking for a cell phone number, there is an option to purchase the locator information for a minimal fee.
Everyone should be aware of this! This is a powerful search engine and for example by putting in the following number 202-456-1414, you will get all the information associated with that number the engine can find. That said, if anyone (maybe a child or elderly adult) gives out his/her phone number, someone could now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious. Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked.
We have provided the number above so you can see how this works. You can look up your own number if you choose. In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: Google (http://www.google.com/.) Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) then hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours. Check your own number and although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, but you may know someone who needs to know this. Please share this information with family, friends and co-workers.