Social media accounts are good resources to promote your business and keep track of friends and family. Simply not using social media for the sake of privacy is not a good option for most. We put together a list of tips for using social media for personal accounts.
1) Limit sharing of personal information
Reframe from posting personal information such as address, phone number, financial information, or email address on personal social media accounts. This information can be used for identify theft or online stalking.
You should also reframe from posting routines that give users access to where you will be in the future. This is especially true if you are planning to be alone. For example, don't post about your future jogging routes and time.
2) Tighten up those privacy settings
If your social media account is not for business then update your privacy settings to only allow friends or followers to see your content. If you run a business then the nature of your posts are expected to be different and you will want to keep privacy settings wide open.
Social media networks by default leave accounts wide open for all to view. This helps sites like Facebook sell advertisements as your content is searchable. We recommend locking down your account so only those connected to you can view.
You also should restrict access to those that can tag you and even configure your Facebook account so that you must approve all tagging of your account.
3) Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
We know using 2FA can be annoying but it is critical in protecting your account. Today accounts are often hacked due to data breaches beyond the control of users. Using 2FA reduces hackers ability to gain access to your account by utilizing leaked credentials.
Using 2FA is much easier today than it has been in the past. Today, you are able to use apps to either generate a code to enter or even tap an approve button. In some cases you can even use your thumb print that is linked to your computer to confirm your identity.
4) Set a strong password
Using passwords that are hard to guess go a long ways to protecting your account. Avoid using your birth year and pets name in your passwords as this makes them easy to guess. If possible, try and use random letters and numbers to create a password.
Also avoid using the same password but only increasing the number by a single digit. This is common and a leaked password if GoodDog18 makes GoodDog19 an easy guess.
5) Monitor your account frequently
Monitor your account so you can take action for any specious activity. This activity could be a post you didn't make or a post from a friend who's account has been hacked.
In some cases when a friend account is hacked they will make a post on your profile that will led to others accounts being hacked. By you allowing the post others may let their guard down and view the post as legitimate. One example, could be a link posted to pay for a reunion but in reality the destination in a hackers bank account.
6) Watch out for phishing schemes
Phishing schemes often begin start by an account being hacked and a link being posted to a friends account. The link may take you to what looks like a social media login page but in reality the page is designed to capture your credentials.
Using 2FA can help reduce the impact of phishing schemes but practicing common sense and avoiding links for those you don't know or links that don't seem correct go a long ways to keep your account safe.
I would love to other recommendations in the comments or on the forums.
1) Limit sharing of personal information
Reframe from posting personal information such as address, phone number, financial information, or email address on personal social media accounts. This information can be used for identify theft or online stalking.
You should also reframe from posting routines that give users access to where you will be in the future. This is especially true if you are planning to be alone. For example, don't post about your future jogging routes and time.
2) Tighten up those privacy settings
If your social media account is not for business then update your privacy settings to only allow friends or followers to see your content. If you run a business then the nature of your posts are expected to be different and you will want to keep privacy settings wide open.
Social media networks by default leave accounts wide open for all to view. This helps sites like Facebook sell advertisements as your content is searchable. We recommend locking down your account so only those connected to you can view.
You also should restrict access to those that can tag you and even configure your Facebook account so that you must approve all tagging of your account.
3) Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
We know using 2FA can be annoying but it is critical in protecting your account. Today accounts are often hacked due to data breaches beyond the control of users. Using 2FA reduces hackers ability to gain access to your account by utilizing leaked credentials.
Using 2FA is much easier today than it has been in the past. Today, you are able to use apps to either generate a code to enter or even tap an approve button. In some cases you can even use your thumb print that is linked to your computer to confirm your identity.
4) Set a strong password
Using passwords that are hard to guess go a long ways to protecting your account. Avoid using your birth year and pets name in your passwords as this makes them easy to guess. If possible, try and use random letters and numbers to create a password.
Also avoid using the same password but only increasing the number by a single digit. This is common and a leaked password if GoodDog18 makes GoodDog19 an easy guess.
5) Monitor your account frequently
Monitor your account so you can take action for any specious activity. This activity could be a post you didn't make or a post from a friend who's account has been hacked.
In some cases when a friend account is hacked they will make a post on your profile that will led to others accounts being hacked. By you allowing the post others may let their guard down and view the post as legitimate. One example, could be a link posted to pay for a reunion but in reality the destination in a hackers bank account.
6) Watch out for phishing schemes
Phishing schemes often begin start by an account being hacked and a link being posted to a friends account. The link may take you to what looks like a social media login page but in reality the page is designed to capture your credentials.
Using 2FA can help reduce the impact of phishing schemes but practicing common sense and avoiding links for those you don't know or links that don't seem correct go a long ways to keep your account safe.
I would love to other recommendations in the comments or on the forums.