Social media comes with tons of benefits, especially for businesses. However, there are challenges in implementing cybersecurity in social media.
If used right, we all benefit from social media, whether for personal or business use. For instance, communication has never been easier, even our loved ones are on the other side of the globe. Social media helps us keeps updated on the happenings of our friends and family.
Meanwhile, businesses use it to easily expand their audience and increase brand awareness. In 2020, over 3.6 billion people were using social media worldwide. Just imagine how many potential customers are waiting for your brand!
However, most people let their guard down when it comes to cybersecurity in social media. Doing so may cause catastrophic results. Read on to see how social media sites sabotage your cybersecurity.
Providing Too Much Personal Information
Hackers often target small and medium businesses (SMBs). Why? Because they lack resources in protecting their data. If you’re using social media to promote your business, you need to take extra precautions.
For instance, avoid sharing personal information like:
- Date of birth
- Places where you have attended school
- Names and pictures of your family members
Such information is enough for identity thieves to illegally access your accounts. Worse, they could use it to apply for credit cards using your personal info.
Malware
Malware is typically found inside emails and download links. Yet, hackers also spread malware through social media via shortened URLs. Moreover, they hide it inside social media ads.
For instance, hackers fool a user thinking that clicking a certain link will take them to a regular Instagram profile. However, that link exposes them to a cyberattack.
Catfishing
Many people use social media to easily find a partner online. However, this exposes them to catfishing wherein a ‘partner’ fakes their identity. A catfish’s goal is to get the victim to reveal their personal and financial information. Getting catfished is a lot more painful than disappointment and heartbreak.
Home Invasions
There’s nothing wrong with sharing your vacation experience on social media. However, posting it while you’re actually away basically tells strangers the exact time when you are not going to be home.
Hence, this gives them plenty of time to break in and steal anything valuable. Moreover, just simply using the “checking in” feature on social media is sufficient for thieves to know that you will be away for some time.
Unsecured Mobile Devices
Mobile devices allow us to access social media accounts with just one tap. This is great as long as you’re the only person using your phone. Yet, losing your device means someone will get access to your most personal data and conversations.
Furthermore, this could bring damages to your businesses if you lost your company phone. Hence, you must always protect your phones with a strong password.
Unused Social Media Accounts
You need to be present on all your brand’s social media accounts if you want to maintain a uniform online presence. Otherwise, leaving your accounts unattended for too long gives hackers the opportunity to break into your account.
