Securing Your Social Media

You log into Facebook to catch up with your feed and see that it’s happened again. Aunt Joan has posted a warning. “I’ve been hacked!! Do NOT accept any friend requests from me!!” Oh, man… Poor Aunt Joan. You’re fairly certain this isn’t the first time this has happened to her. Ever since her lightning-fast Kosciusko Connect fiber internet was installed she has been spending a lot more time on social media. Luckily, you haven’t seen any unusual friend requests in your inbox lately. But Aunt Joan’s post does make you stop and think, “Is my account secure?”

Social media has become an integral part of many people’s lives. Whether you use it for personal connections or to promote your business, it’s crucial to safeguard your social media accounts from potential threats. Your social media accounts contain a wealth of personal information and are gateways to your digital identity. Failing to protect them adequately can have serious consequences, such as:

• Identity theft: Cybercriminals can exploit your personal information to assume your identity or carry out malicious activities in your name.

• Unauthorized access: Hackers may gain control of your accounts, leading to privacy breaches, unauthorized posts, or even complete account takeover.

• Reputation damage: A compromised account can be used to spread false information, post offensive content, or engage in cyberbullying, harming both your personal and professional reputation.

Whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat, there are some across-the-board safety measures you can take to keep your information secure.

• Strong passwords: Choose unique and complex passwords, combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birth dates or pet names. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms. Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security. This feature requires a verification code or authentication app in addition to your password when logging in.

• Privacy settings: Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, personal information, and photos. Limit your public visibility to trusted friends.

• Account privacy: Choose between a public or private account, when given the option. If you prefer privacy, opt for a private account to control who can follow you and view your posts.

Don’t forget to be intentional when it comes to posting and interacting on your social media accounts. There are common sense safety measures that will help you keep both your personal information and your home and possessions secure.

• Decline friend requests from people you don’t know in real life.

• Don’t post in real-time. Wait for a few hours or even a few days before sharing content that reveals your location.

• Be thoughtful about which personal details you choose to share online.

• Be wary of requests for sensitive details or payment information, even if they seem to come from a close friend, celebrity, or major corporation.

• Be cautious when clicking links from your social media feed; hover your mouse over shortened URLs to confirm the real destination.

We strongly encourage you to take security even further by protecting your home network. Add Kosciusko Connect’s Guardian Protection to your internet plan to block viruses, threats, and intrusions on every device connected to your network. You will appreciate the added security and peace of mind Guardian Protection provides.

Protecting your social media accounts should be a top priority in today’s digital landscape. By implementing the recommended security measures on social media platforms and being intentional about your social media engagement, you can significantly reduce the risk of having your personal information and even physical home compromised by criminals. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and feel free to share this blog with your Aunt Joan.

Note: As social media platforms frequently update their security features, we here at Kosciusko Connect advise you to stay informed about the latest measures provided by each platform and adjust your settings accordingly.