Stalker Alert! These 6 Reasons Might Be Considerations For Changing Your Snapchat Username

Snapchat now lets you change your username. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Snapchat is a video messaging application that has been around since 2011. However, snapchat users may not be interested in trying it out for security and privacy reasons.

Snapchat is taking action to protect its users by allowing them to change their usernames. While changing your Snapchat username is a welcome development, there are questions about its efficacy, especially since your Snapcode remains the same.

Nonetheless, there are many security reasons you might consider changing your Snapchat username, such as the following:

Security Breach

Security breaches on the network expose the private information of users on the network. This is a valid reason to change your Snapchat username, especially after the alleged attack.

A January 2014 hack on Snapchat revealed details of 4.6 million Snapchat accounts. The vulnerability allowed hackers to obtain the usernames and phone numbers of millions of users. In this situation, we recommend that you change your username and password immediately to protect yourself.

Malware Attack

If you find that you have been hit by a malware attack, the best first step you should take is to contact the Snapchat admin and change your username.

Cybercriminals can harm your Snapchat account with malware after you click on an infected link. You can mitigate the damage by changing your username once you suspect that you have been exposed to malware.

Shared Device

If you share your Snapchat account details with anyone, or you've ever opened your Snapchat account via a friend's or someone else's mobile device, you will need to change your username occasionally for security reasons.

Your login details may fall into the wrong hands. You may trust the people with whom you share your Snapchat login information, but they could accidentally expose it to others.

Privacy

Even though Snapchat is a public space, you still need to have some level of privacy, even from those you know like family, friends, and colleagues. You can change your username, so they can't find your account.

stalking

Another security reason is to avoid stalkers, especially when it comes to relationships. It's possible that you may have just come out of an unhealthy or toxic relationship, and you are trying to make a fresh start.

You will need to get a new username to avoid your ex-boyfriend discovering the whereabouts of your Snapchat account. Changing your username, in this case, makes it harder for your ex to find you.

Offensive moniker

Some monikers or may be called 'nicknames' may be offensive elsewhere. If you are going to a new location, you may want to change your username if the connotation is negative.

With Snapchat's username change feature, you can change your username to match your current location for security reasons without losing your followers on the platform.