That new smartphone you've just bought may be useful, but it could also be a homing beacon for criminals without you even knowing it.Stefan Tanase, a senior researcher at online security company Kaspersky, has warned that disclosing your location through social networking sites and GPS applications on your smartphone could lead to cyber and real-life crime.
Even posting your holiday plans on Facebook might inform criminals all over the world that you'll be away from home.
Tanase related the story of an American family who had gone on holiday only to find their home ransacked when they returned.
But police eventually discovered that it was a Twitter announcement from a member of the family that had tipped off the robbers.
New online fads such as Google Places and Facebook Places ask for your GPS information when you log on with a cellphone, and then display your location for all of your friends to see. They may help you keep in touch with your friends, but they might also be helping internet-savvy criminals target your location.
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