Nearly 4.8 billion people worldwide use one or more social media platforms, which means over half of the global population. While social media helps users stay in touch with friends and family, connect with customers, and promote businesses, they also increase the exposure of individuals and companies to cyber threats in various ways.

One of them is the increased risk of attacks through social engineering, for example, using fake accounts to deceive users into accessing personal or credential data, or sharing links to download malicious software.

Oversharing is another risk to cybersecurity, especially with the sharing of personal information, such as travel/stay information, illnesses, and family details. Also, the user's engagement - likes, shares, and comments - exposes valuable connection information that cybercriminals can use to succeed in fraudulent attempts.

Therefore, we highlight here some tips for using social media that can help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

Keep your passwords secure

Use strong and unique passwords for each social media account. We suggest using two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional code for login.

Be selective in sharing

Sharing personal information in your posts provides cybercriminals with the information they need to create more realistic phishing attacks or commit identity theft. Think twice before sharing personal information or your real-time location. Such actions can create security vulnerabilities and allow malicious individuals to learn about your habits and routines.

Pay attention to the security of portable devices

Many users leave their mobile devices, like smartphones, tablets, or laptops, unlocked and unprotected, making it easier for cybercriminals to access personal information if the device is stolen or lost.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

Using social media through untrusted public Wi-Fi hotspots is a significant risk because public Wi-Fi is more susceptible to cybercriminals who intercept communications.

Reject unfamiliar friend requests

Cybercriminals may send friend requests from an authentic-looking account that has mutual friends, hoping that users will accept, thereby initiating a social engineering attack. Cybercriminals also use compromised accounts to target users from a legitimate source, attempting to steal data or money.

Review privacy settings

Each social media platform provides privacy controls that allow users to change who has access to their information, including phone numbers, message sharing time, date of birth, location, gender, or personal and professional connections. Privacy settings allow users to decide what is shared and with whom. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged to regularly check your settings to ensure that this layer of protection against threats through social media remains effective.

Learn about cybersecurity

Stay informed about the latest threats and best practices in cybersecurity. Be aware of different types of attacks and how to identify them to avoid falling into traps.

 

Remember that these tips do not guarantee absolute protection, but they help reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks on social media. Always remain vigilant and aware of constantly evolving threats.