Social Media Cyber Security: 3 Simple Steps for Cyber Security

Posted on: Apr 21, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Social Media Cyber Security: 3 Simple Steps for Cyber Security

Social media cyber security is becoming increasingly important with the widespread use of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As technology advances, it is also becoming more complex for people to stay safe online.

Social media cyber security is the practice of protecting online content and user data from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. This includes everything from ensuring passwords are secure to make sure security protocols are in place when users interact with each other on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

On a personal level, it’s important to use strong passwords across all your accounts and change them regularly. Users should also think twice before sharing sensitive information online. For example, revealing the location you are visiting could potentially expose you to potential threats like theft or physical harm.

Issues involving social media cyber security

Issues involving cybersecurity have been increasingly concerning in recent years.

1. Data Breach:

In phishing attacks, malicious actors are constantly finding new ways to exploit user information for their own gain.

2. Lack of cyber hygiene:

The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that many users do not even understand basic cyber hygiene principles and lack the knowledge needed to adequately protect themselves from such threats.

3. Data retrieval:

Details like name, habits, location, pictures, and other sensitive information shared on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc., can cause a potential threat of social media fraud as the data shared on these platforms are leveraged for advertisements.

4. Virus attacks:

Viruses can make their way into the network through advertisements and exploit confidential data. Virus attacks can lead to the complete destruction of all types of data.

5. Usage of various vulnerable applications:

Most of the applications that you download on your mobile or any other smart device ask for access to sensitive information like pictures, contacts, location, etc., which could lead to malware attack while it is running on your device.

Risks & Challenges

With the constantly changing landscape and technological advances, we now must worry more than ever about cyber threats.

1. Phishing attack that steals sensitive data like your personal and banking information can be really challenging to identify as it appears like an email from a trusted entity.

2. Social media cyber security risks like malware attacks and ‘LOL’ viruses can spread fast to gain access to all the information of users.

3. Identity frauds steal personal information and financial data and can apply for loans and claim other benefits without your consent.

4. Cyber stalkers do harass or stalk the victims through inappropriate messages, manipulations, and blackmail the victims for financial gains.

5. Social media is now being used for spreading and promoting terrorist activities.

6. Finally, companies may face legal issues due to violations of privacy laws from their customers’ usage of their platforms which could harm their reputation and lead to costly lawsuits against them.

3 Easy Points for Cyber Security to Protect Your Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our lives and, with the power to reach millions of people all over the world, can be a powerful tool for good. Assessing the risk and implementing practical protection methods are prudent to ensure social media cyber security.

1. Set strong passwords:

Using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts is essential when it comes to staying secure online. Use a combination of numbers, symbols, and upper and lowercase letters when creating passwords to ensure that potential hackers have difficulty gaining access to your accounts. Also, be sure not to reuse passwords across multiple accounts; this way if one account gets breached, the others remain safe against social media fraud.

2. Monitor whom you are connecting with:

Be vigilant about accepting connection requests or friending people on social media sites you do not know in real life to protect yourself from social media fraud. They could be scammers posing as someone else entirely. When making connections online, take extra measures like doing research on the person’s public profile to make sure they are who they say they are and that their posts seem legitimate before connecting with them (or letting them into any group chats).

3. Activate two-factor authentication:

Most popular websites offer two-factor authentication, which requires an additional code beside the password during logins from unknown sources or locations. An additional layer of security prevents malicious activity even if someone manages to gain access to your credentials by phishing or brute forcing methods, among others. Moreover, companies must create a data security policy with proper guidelines that need to be followed by employees when dealing with sensitive data online or through social media channels. Ultimately, no one is immune from cyber-attacks, but by knowing how to mitigate the risks associated with social platforms, we stand a better chance of staying safe online.

Ensure to avail of cyber security insurance along with the security measures to have complete protection. There are various types of cyber security insurance available such as cyber insurance for students, cyber insurance for working professionals, etc. which can be availed based on the specific need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media cyber security is essential for companies and individuals alike. By considering the possible threats and vulnerabilities associated with using unsecured networks, implementing strong online presence policies, conducting regular assessments of your systems’ security measures, and utilizing effective protective measures specifically tailored to respond to malicious activity on social media platforms, you can help ensure that your business or personal information remains safe from malicious actors.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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