Social media is part of our social fabric. So much so that About 50% of the world’s population uses social media In addition to passing all these sharing, conversations and information to some degree or other family and friends, social media can be a unique digital extension of our own – making it important to know how you can protect your social media accounts from being hacked and attacked.
Beyond the number of people on social media, there is also how much time we spend on it People around the world spend an average of 145 minutes a day on social media. Users in the US spend just over two hours a day on social media and users in the Philippines spend about four hours a day, a number that can vary greatly. Yet it is safe to say that a good portion of our day features time scrolling and thumbing through our social media feeds.
Considering how much we enjoy and rely on social media, now is the time to take a closer look at your social media settings and habits so that you can get the most out of it with less hassle and anxiety. Whether you’re using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or anything else, here are a few things you can do to help keep you safe and secure:
1. Set strong, unique passwords
Passwords mark a square in your security, creating strong and unique passwords as a starting line of defense across all of your accounts. Yet with all the accounts around us, juggling dozens of strong and unique passwords can seem like a daunting task – thus the temptation to use (and reuse) simple passwords. Hackers like it because a password can be the key to different accounts. Instead, try a password manager that can create and securely store those passwords for you. Comprehensive security software will be included.
2. Go private
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option to make your profile and posts visible only to friends. Choosing this setting blocks the broad internet to see what you’re doing, saying and posting, which can help protect your privacy.
3. Say “no” to strangers carrying a friend’s request
Review the invitations you received. Outside and outside strangers may be just a stranger, they may be a fake account designed to collect user information for the purpose of cybercrime, or they may be an account designed to spread false information. There are plenty of them too. In fact, only in the 3rd quarter of 2021, Facebook has taken action against 1.8 billion fake accounts. Reject such request.
4. Think twice before checking in
There is no such thing as “no one at home now” like your post on vacation or sharing your location when you go to town. In fact, posts like these announce your position to a wider audience of followers (even global viewers, if you don’t post in person, as mentioned above). Once you’re back, consider sharing photos and stories of your adventures.
5. Internet forever
This is a famous quote for a reason. Whether your profile is set as private or if you use an app with “invisible” messages and posts (such as Snapchat), what you post can be truly saved and reshared. It’s as simple as taking a screenshot. If you don’t want it there, forever or otherwise, just don’t post it.
6. Beware of phishing scams
We are becoming increasingly accustomed to being cautious about phishing emails, yet phishing attacks happen a lot on social media. The same rule applies. Do not follow any links received from strangers via instant or direct messengers. And keep your personal information. Do not pass your email, address, or other information. Even those so-called “quiz” posts and websites are designed to steal bits and personal information that could be used as a basis for an attack.
7. Also keep an eye out for all kinds of scams
Sadly, social media can also be a place where people can quickly pull one off. Wealth-quick schemes, romance cons, and all sorts of fraudulent ads, posts, and even direct messages can set up shop, usually designed to differentiate you from your personal information, money, or both. This is a complete matter in itself, and you can Learn more about quizzes and other identity theft scams to avoid social media.
8. Review your tags
Some platforms, such as Facebook, allow users to review posts tagged with their profile names. Examine your account settings and give yourself maximum control over how and where your tags are used by others. This will help you to be aware of where and in what way you are being referred by others
9. Protect yourself and your device
Security software can protect you Clicking on malicious links while on social media will keep you away from other threats like viruses, ransomware and phishing attacks. It protects your privacy and can search for you by monitoring your email, SSN, bank account, credit card and other personal information. Identity theft is currently a common occurrenceSecurity software is really a must.
10. Check your safety score and see how safe you are
Now you can indicate a number that shows you how secure you are with our security score. It’s an industry first, and it works with your overall security stock and grades it on a scale of 0 to 1,000. From there, it summons any weak spots and then takes you through the steps to shore it up with personalized instructions. That way, you’ll always know about your security, privacy and personal identity on social media and virtually anywhere else your travels take you online.
