5 Ways to Secure Your Social Media Accounts

Social media has woven itself into the fabric of daily life. Whether you’re posting pictures from a weekend getaway, catching up with friends, or sharing updates, these platforms offer a unique way to stay connected.

But with all the convenience comes a downside: the growing risk of cybersecurity threats. Hackers are getting smarter, constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and steal personal data.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your social media accounts. Let’s walk through five simple yet essential actions that can help safeguard your online presence and keep your personal information secure.

Use strong and unique passwords

The first line of defense for your social media accounts is undoubtedly a strong password. Passwords are the keys to your digital kingdom and must be treated with care. Many users still rely on simple passwords or reuse them across multiple accounts, which significantly increases vulnerability to cyber attacks.

Creating a strong password

• Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid common words or phrases, and never use personal information like birthdays or names.
• Aim for a password that is at least 12-16 characters long.

Unique passwords for each account

It’s crucial to have different passwords for each of your social media accounts. This way, if one account is compromised, the others remain secure.

Using a password manager can greatly aid in storing and generating strong and unique passwords. These tools encrypt your passwords, keeping them secure. They can also typically be synced across devices, making it easier for you to manage them conveniently without having to memorize each one.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a must-have security feature for all your social media accounts. It acts as an additional layer of security by requiring two forms of verification before granting access to your account. Even if someone manages to obtain your password, they would still need the second factor to gain entry.

How to enable 2FA

Most social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram offer easy steps to enable 2FA from their security settings menu.

You can choose from various methods like SMS codes, authenticator apps (such as Google Authenticator or Authy), or even hardware tokens for this purpose.

By enabling 2FA, you significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access, as hackers would need both your password and the second verification factor to compromise your accounts.

Monitor account activity regularly

Keeping an eye on your account activity can be essential for early detection of any suspicious behavior. Many people tend to underestimate the importance of this step, but regular monitoring can help you catch potential security threats before they escalate.

Steps to monitor activity

1. Most social platforms allow you to view your login history and active sessions in the security or privacy settings. Regularly check this information for unknown devices or locations.
2. Platforms like Facebook notify you via email or notifications if they detect a login from an unfamiliar device or location. Take these notifications seriously and verify the activity as soon as possible.

Immediate actions for detected threats

If you notice any suspicious activity, immediately change your password and log out of all active sessions through your account settings.

Consider notifying the platform’s support team of the breach. Reporting unauthorized access can help them identify potential security threats and take action to protect other users.

Be cautious with third-party apps and permissions

Third-party apps often request access to your social media accounts for added features or convenience. These could be anything from fun games to productivity tools that require access to your data. However, it’s important to be judicious about the permissions you grant.

Risks of unchecked permissions

Granting extensive permissions to third-party apps can expose your account to potential risks if the app’s security is compromised. This could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches.

Some apps may misuse the granted permissions to gather and sell your data without your consent, putting your privacy at risk.

How to manage permissions

Periodically review the list of apps connected to your accounts. Each social media platform has a section in the settings where you can see authorized apps and their permissions.

Remove access for apps you no longer use or trust. Be especially cautious with apps that request more permissions than necessary for their functionality.

Keep in mind that legitimate apps will clearly communicate why they need certain permissions. If an app’s request seems unreasonable or unclear, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Manage privacy settings effectively

Privacy settings can be a powerful tool for controlling who can see your personal information on social media platforms. These settings are not just about hiding or revealing information; they’re about giving you control over your online identity.

Customizing privacy settings

Take the time to explore the privacy settings on each of your social media accounts. These typically include options related to who can view your posts, send you messages, or tag you in content.

Decide who can see your personal information, such as your email address, phone number, and location. Limiting this information to friends only can significantly reduce your exposure to potential threats.

Regular updates and reviews

Social media platforms frequently update their privacy policies and settings options. It’s essential to stay informed about these changes and adjust your settings accordingly.

Consider setting a reminder to review your privacy settings every few months. This habit ensures you maintain control over your data and adapt to any platform updates.

Advanced privacy tips

Be mindful of the information you share publicly. Even with restricted settings, your information can be shared by others or accessed through data breaches.

Explore additional privacy-enhancing options like “incognito mode” on apps where available, to further reduce digital footprints.

Having tight privacy settings helps ensure that only trusted individuals can access your personal information, providing an additional layer of security. It empowers you to selectively share information, making your online interactions more secure and meaningful.

By implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, monitoring account activity, managing third-party permissions, and customizing privacy settings, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and cyber threats. Remember, staying informed about new security features and potential threats can be crucial for ongoing protection.

Take your online security a step further by signing up for BeenVerified. With BeenVerified, you can conduct background searches, monitor your personal information online, and try to ensure your digital footprint is safe from prying eyes. Sign up today for peace of mind and enhanced security in your online world.