ISLAMABAD, 09 JULY (DNA) —Cybersecurity experts Thursday cautioned the public to remain aware and vigilant against sharing high-resolution images online, warning that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be exploited by criminals to reconstruct fingerprints and carry out identity-related fraud.
Talking to a private news channel, cybersecurity expert Abdul Qadir highlighted growing digital privacy risks and urged people to exercise caution while sharing photos on social media platforms. He warned users against posting high-resolution images showing gestures such as thumbs-up and victory signs, as such images may expose sensitive biometric details.
Abdul Qadir explained that advancements in Artificial Intelligence have increased the ability of cybercriminals to analyze publicly available images and potentially reconstruct fingerprint patterns from clear photographs, adding that fingerprints are unique biometric identifiers and should be protected like passwords.
The cybersecurity expert advised social media users to avoid sharing close-up images of their fingers, especially those captured with high-quality cameras, as criminals may misuse such information for identity-related fraud and other cybercrimes. He further encouraged the public to adopt responsible online habits, including reviewing privacy settings, limiting the amount of personal information shared publicly and being mindful of the potential risks associated with digital content.
Abdul Qadir said that awareness and caution are key to reducing cyber threats in an increasingly digital environment. He urged users to think carefully before uploading personal images online and to remain updated about emerging cybersecurity risks. He emphasized that while social media platforms provide opportunities for communication and connection, users must also take necessary precautions to protect their personal data and digital identities.
The expert further encouraged social media users to review their privacy settings, limit the information they share publicly, and remain aware of the risks associated with posting personal images online.
Abdul Qadir said that cyber awareness is the first line of defense against digital crimes and urged people to adopt safe online habits. He added that users should think carefully before sharing personal content and take necessary steps to safeguard their digital identities.
Concluding his remarks, Abdul Qadir warned that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence could create serious challenges in the coming years, adding that by 2030, the volume of AI-generated and manipulated content could become so widespread that people may even struggle to distinguish real images of their own family members from fake ones. — DNA
