1. Set strong, unique passwords
A gate is like a password. It is more difficult for burglars to enter a gate that is stronger. Protecting your account begins with a password.
As a first line of defense, create strong, one-time-use passwords for each of your accounts. The temptation to use (and re-use) simpler passwords arises from the difficulty of managing the numerous accounts we have scattered about and the difficulty of remembering dozens of strong, unique passwords.
Because a single password can unlock multiple accounts, hackers adore this. Try using a password manager instead, which will enable you to create these passwords and store them securely. One will be found in complete security software.
2. Go private
You can choose to make your profile and posts available to friends only on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and others. By selecting this option, you can help preserve your privacy by preventing other internet users from seeing what you are doing, saying, and posting.
3. Reject friend requests from strangers
Consider carefully before accepting any invitations. Outright strangers may be more than just that—they may be phony accounts created with the intention of gathering user data for the purposes of cybercrime or they may be accounts created with the intention of disseminating incorrect information. They are also in great numbers. Facebook actually acted against 1.8 billion phony accounts in the third quarter of 2021.
4. Think twice before checking in
The majority of you being on vacation or disclosing your location while you are out on the town both scream “there is nobody at home right now” more than anything else. Such posts effectively let a large number of followers know where you are (even a global audience, if you are not posting privately, as called out above).
5. The Internet is forever
For a reason, it is a well-known proverb. Even if your profile is set to private or you use a disappearing messaging or post app like Snapchat, anything you post can be preserved and shared again. As easy as snapping a screenshot, in fact. Don’t post it if you don’t want it to be available forever or for any other period of time.
6. Watch out for phishing scams
7. Also keep an eye out for scams of all kinds
Even though we are getting more accustomed to hearing cautions about phishing emails, social media is a common place for phishing assaults. The same laws are in effect. Don’t click any links you get over instant or direct messaging from strangers. Likewise, safeguard your private information. Don’t give away your email, address, or any other personal information. Even those so-called quiz posts and websites may be nothing more than elaborate ruses created to collect little amounts of personal data in order to launch an assault.
8. Review your tags
Even though we are getting more accustomed to hearing cautions about phishing emails, social media is a common place for phishing assaults. The same laws are in effect. Don’t click any links you get over instant or direct messaging from strangers. Likewise, safeguard your private information. Don’t give away your email, address, or any other personal information. Even those so-called quiz posts and websites may be nothing more than elaborate ruses created to collect little amounts of personal data in order to launch an assault.
