Tips for Using Social Media Securely

Social media sites such as Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are amazing resources allowing you to meet, interact, and share with people around the world. However, with all this power comes risks – not just for you, but your family, friends, and employer. The following tips will help you make the most of social media and learn to use it securely and safely.

Posting
Be careful and think before posting anything. Remember, anything you post is public and could possibly impact your reputation and future. If you don’t want your family, friends, or employer to see it, you probably shouldn’t post it. Also, be aware of what others are posting about you.

Privacy
Almost all social media sites have strong privacy options. Enable them when possible. For example, does the site really need to be able to track your location? In addition, privacy options can be confusing and change often. Make it a habit to check and confirm they are working as you expect them to.

Passphrase
Secure your social media account with a long, unique passphrase. A passphrase is a password made up of multiple words, making it easy for you to type and remember, but hard for cyber attackers to guess.

Lock Down Your Account
Enable two-factor authentication on all of your accounts. This adds a one-time code with your password when you need to log in to your account. This is actually very simple and is one of the most powerful ways to secure your account.

Scams
Just like in email, bad guys will attempt to trick or fool you using social media messages. For example, they may try to trick you out of your password or credit card information. Be careful what you click on. If a friend sends you what appears to be an odd message or one that does not sound like them, it could be a cyber-attacker pretending to be your friend.

Follow these tips to enjoy a much safer online experience. To learn more on how to use social media sites safely, or report unauthorized activity, check your social media site’s security page.

Resource link: https://www.sans.org/security-awareness-training/resources/top-tips-securely-using-social-media