How Your ‘Metadata’ Helps Scammers

In this tech insight, we look at how hidden metadata (embedded in files, emails, images and documents) is increasingly being used by scammers to profile, deceive and attack UK businesses, and how firms can protect themselves.

What Is Metadata and Why Does It Matter to Businesses?

Metadata is often described as “data about data”. It is the invisible layer of information attached to digital content, i.e. emails, Word documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, photographs, that describes how, when and by whom the file was created. Most people only ever see the visible content, but underneath lies a wealth of additional detail.