It would not be wrong if I say social media platforms have become a vital part of our lives. Social media channels are a great way to stay in touch with others. They are also an excellent method of promoting one’s business or any form of service.
I love using Youtube as it’sd free and helps me spread the services I offer to a wide range of audiences with a mere click. This is also when I realized that getting first views without a push from TheMarketingHeaven.com is a near-impossible task, as on my own it took me a month to get 230 views, but with the help from them, I went way beyond this number within an hour.
While social media is a powerful tool that helps us to gather information and stay connected with people across the world but it could also be used to target us for spam.
If you are using only one social media network then also you are exposed to several risks if you don’t use it carefully.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter is the world’s largest database of personal records. Many of these sites have become a source for spammers and con artists to collect information.
Not only at a personal level but on a professional level also risk exist. For people who use social media for their professional purpose, there’s always a risk of a hacker trying to get your information and confidential data.
It is our responsibility to use the web in a secure manner and engage in a responsible manner to minimize the risk factor.
It is always good to keep yourself secure and risk-free. But how would you do it? Read on to learn some useful tips and tricks to stay safe while using social media.
Check your privacy settings
Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or some other social media site, there are privacy and security settings that you can use to minimize your risk of being hacked.
Browse all the options & settings, become familiar with them and use them. All this enables you to manage your activity in a more secure way.
Activate Two-Factor Authentication
One of the smartest ways to protect your account from getting hacked is by activating two-factor authentication. This feature lets you sign-up using a code received on your phone. Anybody who tries to log in, won’t be able to do so because he won’t get that code.
Don’t share personal information
Whether you are using social media for professional purposes or for the personal purpose don’t share too much information and personal detail.
It is highly advised that you avoid sharing sensitive personal information such as a personal address, financial information, or anything that may help hackers to use that information.
Change your password often and use a strong password
Make it at least eight digits long and use the combination of upper case and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Apart from a strong password, try to change your password after a certain period says every three months.
Use Antivirus Software
Protect your computer by installing antivirus software. If already installed, keep your firewall security and anti-virus software up-to-date.
Common Social Media Scams
- Social media phishing
- Friend impersonating
- Cash starter kits
- Illegitimate direct message
- Fake advertising deals
- Fake job offers
Take the proper measures to safeguard your social media accounts and your information. It is important to know how to keep your information safe. Consider the following steps to stay safe.
- Set strong and unique passwords.
- Delete unsolicited emails and texts from your social media accounts
- Verify company profiles
- Think before clicking on suspicious links
What if you have become a social media spam victim?
- Immediately cease all communication with the scammer.
- Keep the records of the communication you had with the scammer.
- File a complaint at your local police station
- Report the incident to the respective social media site.
