How to entrust your security while engaging with social media

The risks can lead to financial loss, emotional distress, and damage to one’s reputation

Phishing scams are deceptive tactics used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. These scams can come in the form of emails, messages, or fake websites that appear to be from legitimate sources. Always verify the authenticity of any communication before clicking on links or providing personal information. Be sceptical of unsolicited requests for sensitive data and report suspicious activities to the platform’s support team. If you receive a message asking for personal information, verify its legitimacy before responding. Contact the person or company directly using a known method of communication

Social media platforms have become integral to our personal and professional lives in the digital age. Social media allows us to connect with friends and family, share our thoughts and experiences, and even conduct business. Entrusting your security on social media requires a proactive approach to safeguard your personal information and online presence. The risks can lead to financial loss, emotional distress, and damage to one’s reputation. 

Identity theft occurs when malicious actors gain access to personal information, such as social security numbers or bank details, often through oversharing on social media. Phishing attacks involve deceptive messages or posts that trick users into divulging sensitive information. Data breaches at social media companies can expose millions of users’ private data, while cyberbullying can have severe psychological impacts. 70% of data breaches happen due to human errors. 

Cybercriminals always try to trick people by asking them to click on unsafe links, opening malicious attachments, entering their credentials into spurious login, sharing sensitive data, and authorising fraudulent fund transfers. Therefore it is better to anticipate cyber guidelines when using social media. 

Strengthen passwords and authentication

The first line of defence against unauthorised access is a robust password. A strong password should be unique, combining letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoiding easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Avoid easily guessable passwords like “password123” or “123456”. Moreover, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a layer of security. 2FA requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access to your account. Data breaches cost businesses an average of $ 4.88 million in 2024 all over the world.

Be mindful of privacy settings

Social media platforms often provide various privacy settings that allow you to control who can view your information. Regularly review and adjust these settings to limit your exposure. For instance, you might choose to make your profile visible only to friends or customise who can see your posts and personal details. Be cautious with the information you share publicly, as it can be exploited for identity theft or harassment. For example, set your profile to private or friends-only instead of public. Avoid posting sensitive information such as your home address, phone number, or financial details. 

Be wary of phishing scams

Phishing scams are deceptive tactics used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. These scams can come in the form of emails, messages, or fake websites that appear to be from legitimate sources. Always verify the authenticity of any communication before clicking on links or providing personal information. Be sceptical of unsolicited requests for sensitive data and report suspicious activities to the platform’s support team. If you receive a message asking for personal information, verify its legitimacy before responding. Contact the person or company directly using a known method of communication. 

Avoid clicking on suspicious links

Be wary of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts. Always verify the authenticity of the sender before interacting with such content. Phishing attacks often involve deceptive messages that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your personal information. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on unsolicited links and be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly. In 2024, it was reported more than 2,000 data breaches, highlighting the prevalence of such attacks. 

Monitor your online presence

Regularly monitoring your social media accounts can help you detect and respond to potential security issues promptly. Periodically review your account activity for any suspicious behaviour. Look for unfamiliar logins, posts, or messages. If you notice any discrepancies, change your password immediately and review the security settings of your account. Additionally, consider using online tools that alert you to changes in your personal information across the web.

Regularly reviewing your social media accounts for any unauthorised activity, such as unfamiliar posts or messages, is important. Promptly report any suspicious behaviour to the platform’s support team and change your passwords if necessary. Monitoring your accounts helps detect potential security breaches early, allowing you to take swift action to mitigate any damage. Additionally, be cautious about the information you share in your profile, as oversharing can make you a target for identity theft, stalking, or burglary. For example, in 2023, nearly 1 billion emails were exposed in a single year, affecting 1 in 5 internet users. 

Avoid sharing sensitive information

While social media is a great way to connect and share experiences, it is important to avoid posting sensitive information that could compromise your security. Refrain from sharing personal details such as your home address, phone number, or financial information. Even seemingly harmless information, like vacation plans, can be used by criminals to plan targeted attacks or burglaries.

Be cautious with third-party apps

Many social media platforms allow the integration of third-party apps and services. While these can offer added functionality, they can also pose security risks. Only grant access to apps that you trust and review the permissions they request. Regularly audit and remove apps you no longer use or recognise as suspicious.

Educate yourself and others

Staying informed about the latest security threats and best practices is essential. Follow cybersecurity experts and organisations for updates and tips. Additionally, educate friends and family members about the importance of social media security to create a safer online community. Staying informed about common social media scams, such as phishing attacks, fake giveaways, and fraudulent schemes, is crucial. Awareness is a key step in protecting yourself from falling victim to these tactics. 

Educate yourself on the latest scams and learn how to recognise suspicious activity. This knowledge can help you avoid falling victim to scams and protect your personal information. For instance, in 2023, nearly half of employed people reported falling victim to cyberattacks or scams, with 45% reporting compromised personal data. 

Staying secure on social media requires a proactive and informed approach. By understanding the risks and implementing best practices and advanced security measures, users can protect their personal information and enjoy a safer online experience. As social media continues to evolve, staying vigilant and adaptable is key to navigating the digital landscape securely. 

Entrusting your security on social media is a multifaceted task that requires vigilance and proactive measures. You can significantly enhance your online security by strengthening your passwords, adjusting privacy settings, being cautious of phishing scams, and educating yourself about potential threats. Remember, as social media continues to evolve, staying vigilant and adaptable is key to navigating the digital landscape securely. Your security is largely in your hands, and taking these steps can help protect your personal information and maintain your online safety.

(The writer is a Senior Lecturer, Information and Communication Technology Department, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.)