In our digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool. Used for communication, information-sharing and networking, social media apps have integrated into our daily lives, seamlessly.
Yet, with the use of these platforms every day, the risks associated with oversharing or inadequate security measures also escalate.
It is crucial to ensure that your personal information remains protected, while you enjoy the social and functional benefits of social media.
Why is Social Media Safety Important?
Privacy is a cornerstone of personal freedom, and in the age of information, it’s more critical than ever to protect your personal data.
Inadequate privacy settings and careless behaviour on social media can expose you to a myriad of risks such as identity theft, stalking, fraud, or worse.
Luckily, at Roundhouse Cyber, we have a few important tips to help you safeguard personal information while you navigate the various social media platforms.
Here are Some Helpful Tips ……..
Review Privacy Settings
- Adjust Profile Visibility: Make sure to go through your social media settings and configure them to limit who can see your posts, pictures, and profile information. You usually have the option to make your data visible to everyone, only friends, or a custom list.
- Location Settings: Geolocation tags can give away your current location. Be cautious when sharing posts with location tags, especially if your account is public. Be wary when ‘checking in’ on platforms such as Foursquare, Twitter and Facebook as your location will be visible.
- Third-Party Access: Check which third-party apps or websites have access to your social media account and remove those that are not needed or untrustworthy.
Limit Personal Information
- Avoid Oversharing: Think twice before posting personal details such as your home address, phone number, or information about your daily routine.
- Watch Your Language: Be cautious when sharing information that alludes to very personal information. Hackers and scammers often use this information to gain your trust.
- Be Careful with Photos: Photos can give away more information than you think. Background details like street signs, landmarks, or even the exterior of your home could compromise your safety.
One More Thing
There are also a few steps you can put in place to ensure your overall safety online. These are quick and easy to action and provide you with extra peace of mind.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable two-step or multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. This usually involves receiving a code on your phone that you must enter to log in.
- Regular Updates: Keep the apps and your devices’ operating system up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches.
- Logout from Shared Computers: Always remember to logout if you access your social media accounts from a public or shared computer.
In the era of connectivity, maintaining a bit of mystery isn’t a bad thing—it’s a necessity. We hope our social media safety tips will help you keep safe online.
At Roundhouse Cyber we are dedicated to creating a safer digital world for individuals and businesses, alike.