Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat serve as virtual advertising spaces for users to share personal updates and news. However, it’s important to consider the social media privacy risks associated with sharing personal information online. Who else has access to your posts besides your inner circle? And could your openness make you an easy target for social media scams? To control, protect, and secure your account, follow these helpful tips and suggestions.
How can you protect yourself on social networking sites?
It’s commonly believed that individuals have complete control over their social media privacy simply by checking a few boxes. However, the truth is that maintaining privacy on social media is a lot more complicated than that. Even if you take all the necessary precautions, your personal information can still be shared by others, making it difficult to maintain complete privacy. Deleting your account or getting rid of social media apps may not even be enough. Protecting your online privacy is crucial before sharing anything on any platform. With an integrated approach, you can achieve maximum privacy, at least as far as the social network itself allows.
#1 Don’t accept strangers as friends
Ensure you thoroughly evaluate any invitations you receive. While they may appear to be from a stranger, they could actually be fraudulent accounts created to collect sensitive data for illegal purposes or to spread misleading information. Unfortunately, these types of accounts are abundant and in just Q3 of last year, Facebook took action against 1.8 billion fake profiles. It’s crucial to decline such requests to protect yourself and your information from harm.
#2 Avoid public Wi-Fi
Protect yourself from hackers by avoiding public Wi-Fi. Instead, use a private hotspot from your phone for a more secure connection. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a good VPN to scramble your data and make your location untraceable. For example, you can use VeePN US VPN as it has a good reputation and loyal prices. VeePN service even has a free trial version. Also always check for an HTTPS connection, especially when logging in or entering credit card data, which is often represented by a green padlock symbol.
#3 Turn off your location
Stay in control of your privacy by disabling location sharing on your devices. This simple step can prevent businesses from receiving information about your frequent visits and keep your data secure on platforms such as Facebook, email, and Phone Lookup. Don’t forget to adjust your settings for added security.
#4 Use two-factor authentication
Looking for a way to secure your social media accounts? Two-factor authentication might be the solution you need. Not only does it require a password, but it also requires a one-time code from an app on your phone or through text message. This extra layer of security makes it harder for anyone to access your account, even in hacking scenarios. For optimal protection, consider using an authenticator app like Google or Microsoft instead of relying solely on SMS.
#5 Always log out when you’re done
Protect your social media privacy with this simple tip: always log out of public computers, and occasionally log out of your personal devices too. By doing so, you make it harder for others to hack into your profile, post negative comments under your name, or even change your password and lock you out. Stay in control of your own account by taking this small but crucial step.
#6 Create unique passwords
Creating a strong password that’s easy to remember, yet difficult for others to crack, is essential. Avoid using common elements like birthdates and pet names. Keep your passwords private by memorizing them or using a trusted password manager. Taking proactive measures to protect your privacy online is crucial, especially when posting on social media platforms.
#7 Get rid of accounts you no longer use
Do you have old online accounts that you never use? Have you considered deleting them for added security? Every unused social networking site can pose a risk, so it’s important to think carefully before signing up for new accounts and deleting old ones. If you’re holding onto accounts you don’t use but don’t want to delete, make sure to have a strong password and two-factor authentication. Additionally, logging out of the site on your devices and deleting the app from your phone can reduce the risk of a potential breach. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable – take action to protect your online presence.
#8 Think twice before checking in
Make sure to keep your whereabouts private by avoiding posting photos and sharing your location while on vacation or out in public. By doing so, you are broadcasting to a wide and potentially global audience that your home is vacant. Wait until you’ve returned to share your adventures with photos and stories.
#9 Check your account privacy settings
Don’t settle for default privacy settings on your social media accounts. Take just fifteen minutes to review and adjust who can see your information on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. It’s not just posted that can be shared publicly – comments, profile data, and online activity can also be visible. Protect your sensitive information by taking control of your privacy settings.
Conclusion
Protecting your privacy on social media is an important step to take, particularly in a world that’s increasingly connected and digital. By following these simple steps, you can be sure that your personal information will remain secure and out of the hands of bad actors online.
As more and more of our lives move to the digital realm, it’s essential to remain vigilant about our data, who has access to it, and what it may be used for. Staying safe starts with consistent monitoring of the privacy settings on our social media accounts; by learning the best practices for securing them, we can be proactive and confident in protecting ourselves from potential misuse down the road. It’s easy to ignore changing privacy protocols online but at the end of the day, taking responsibility for our personal data is always worth it.
