Cybersecurity is a modern-day issue that touches on any business or individual with a web presence. Cybercriminals hack into sensitive information for malicious intent and financial gain. Most cyber criminals have realized the opportunities that are presented with the fame and prevalence of social media. With multiple cyber risks lurking across social media platforms, it is important to consider how you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim by adopting a number of security practices.
Create and change access controls regularly
The primary method of securing your social media accounts is by creating strong passwords and access controls for your accounts. Each password should be unique and comprised of a combination of special characters, lower and upper letters, symbols, and numbers. The password should be changed on a regular basis, preferably after a month. You may also utilize the two-factor authentication method where necessary to achieve an added layer of security.
Manage your privacy settings
Social media platforms give you a chance to manage your privacy settings. You should utilize this opportunity to ensure that you only share information and posts with your friends and family. Any posts meant for the general public outside this perimeter offers an added layer of risk of cyber-attack. Your profile info should also be limited to be viewed by members of your inner circle of social media friends.
Do away with auto-logins
You should never permit your social media platforms to use the automatic login feature. This is because sometimes mobile devices get stolen. If this occurs and your auto-login is on, whoever has access to your phone will have access to all your social media platforms accounts.
Disable geotagging
You should not use the location-based services on your social media platforms whenever posting. Geotagging on smartphones is particularly accurate and can pinpoint your actual latitude and longitude whenever you make a post. You should turn off this feature by disabling the entire location-based services off to prevent cybercriminals from tracking your movements.
Be cautious of peer-to-peer interactions
Any peer-to-peer interactions across social media platforms should be limited to professional aspects only. Individuals who claim to know you and request to chat with you on personal aspects could be cybercriminals looking for a loophole to penetrate your cybersecurity. Being cautious of this possibility may seem paranoid, but it is better to be wary than risk compromising your information.