Search Alan's Hemel Hempstead Notes

Social Media Safety


Hey there!

No matter how intelligent we are, there's probably at least one thing in this checklist that you're probably thinking, "Yes, I should do that". The thing is WILL YOU? Because the more we do to secure our own safety with social media the better it will be to protect our assets. 

By following these suggestions and staying informed about emerging threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. So, let's get right on with some Top Tips for keeping safe with social media.

  1. Use strong, unique passwords: Ensure your social media accounts have strong and unique passwords that are not easily guessable. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. Learn more about Password managers.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on your social media accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
  3. Be cautious with friend and connection requests: Only accept friend or connection requests from people you know and trust. Be wary of accepting requests from unknown individuals, as they may have malicious intentions.
  4. Review and adjust privacy settings: Regularly review the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Limit the amount of personal information that is visible to the public or to people you don't know. Be mindful of the information you share, as it can be used for social engineering or identity theft.
  5. Think before you click: Be cautious when clicking on links shared on social media, even if they are from people you know. Links can lead to fake websites or malware-infected pages. Hover over links to check their destination before clicking, and verify the source if you're unsure.
  6. Avoid oversharing: Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms. Avoid posting personal or sensitive information that could be used for identity theft or social engineering attacks. Remember, what you post online can have long-term consequences.
  7. Regularly update your apps and devices: Keep your social media apps and devices up to date with the latest security patches. Updates often include important security fixes that can help protect you from vulnerabilities.
  8. Be cautious of third-party apps: Be selective when granting access to third-party apps or services through your social media accounts. Only authorize apps from trusted sources and review the permissions they require.
  9. Be wary of phishing attempts: Be cautious of messages, emails, or links that ask for your personal information or login credentials. Phishing attacks are prevalent on social media platforms, so always verify the legitimacy of the sender before sharing any sensitive information.
  10. Ask the question, "Who  is that?" : Regularly review and update your friend or follower lists: Periodically review your connections and remove anyone you no longer recognize or trust. It's important to maintain a smaller, more trusted network to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your information.
  11. Learn how scammers operate: Educate yourself about social engineering tactics. Familiarize yourself with common social engineering techniques, such as impersonation or manipulation, used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals on social media. By being aware, you can better identify and avoid falling victim to such attacks.
  12. Stay informed about platform security features: Keep up to date with the security features offered by the social media platforms you use. Platforms often introduce new security measures, such as enhanced privacy settings or account recovery options, so staying informed ensures you make the most of these features.

Remember, staying safe on social media requires ongoing vigilance and awareness. Regularly review your privacy settings, be cautious of what you share, and stay informed about the latest security best practices.



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