In this article, we will see how to protect social media accounts from hackers. Find out effective strategies and practical tips to ensure the security of your online presence. Protect your personal information and maintain privacy with these essential actions.
Social media is part of our social activities. In fact, more than 59.4% of people around the world use social media in some way. With all the sharing, talking, and information going on between family and friends, social media can feel like an extension of ourselves. It’s important to know how to protect your social media accounts from hacks and attacks.
Protect Social Media Accounts
Not only are there a lot of people on social media, but we also spend a lot of time on it. On average, people around the world spend 147 minutes a day on social media. People in the U.S. spend just over two hours a day on social media, while people in the Philippines spend almost four hours a day on social media. This number can change a lot. Still, it’s fair to say that we spend many hours of our day looking through our social media feeds.
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Since we use and enjoy social media a lot, now is a good time for you to take a closer look at your decisions and habits so you can get the most out of it with less stir and worry. Here are some things you can do to stay safe and secure online, whether you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or something else.
1- Modify Your Passwords Regularly
In privacy, you can’t say enough about the importance of safe passwords. By adding 2FA and a password manager to your passwords, you can make your social media accounts even more secure. Even so, you can do more by changing your passwords every so often.
How does this improve the security of your account? First, if you ever have a close call with hackers or phishing scams, changing your password will help. Also, passwords are personal, so it’s best to change them whenever you give them to someone else or use them on a computer that you don’t trust.
Of course, you need to make sure that your new password is just as secure as your old one. Otherwise, it would defeat the purpose. Also, remember to update your password manager with any changes you make so you don’t have to remember them.
2- Always Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Even though this may seem simple enough, people still use weak passwords. Your password is the best way for someone to have control over your account, which is why you need one. Setting a guessable password for your social media accounts increases its vulnerability.
So, what makes a strong, safe password, and what are some common mistakes people make with passwords? Bad passwords include your name, your birthday, and easy-to-guess combinations such as “1234567,” “111,” or repeated keystroke patterns.
If you want to make your social media account more secure from hackers, you should use a more complicated password. Sites typically advise using alphanumeric, symbols, and capitalization.
3- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
With two-factor authentication, a user’s identity is verified using a combination of the account password and a confirmation code sent through text messages or email.
Anyone who doesn’t use this feature is simply asking for trouble. The extra effort required to keep your accounts secure is totally worth it. Instructions for activating it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are provided here.
4- Avoid Logging into Your Accounts on Unsecured Devices
Although it may be inviting to quickly log into your Snapchat or Twitter account on a stranger’s device, you should make sure that the device can be trusted before providing your details. If your device isn’t trustworthy, a hacker will not have any trouble accessing your social media accounts, no matter the security measures you take.
Sometimes, you have no choice but to use other devices. In such situations, ensure you log out properly. This will keep hackers away and help you keep track of the devices you use to log in.
5- Ignore Unsafe Links or Ads
A man is staring at codes on a dark screen.
On our social media walls, we all get those annoying links and ads. With their catchy headlines and ads, these links may capture anyone’s attention. But don’t click on links to random places that you don’t know because hackers can get into your account right away.
Viruses, malware, and phishing attacks may be present in seemingly safe connections. If you try to log on to a questionable site or page, the malicious software will access your data and personal information.
It’s possible for anyone to accidentally click on a link, so everyone should take every precaution to avoid spam. Finally, before you click that doubtful link, make sure it passes the test with a link safety-checking service.
6- Setup Login Notifications for All of Your Accounts
Wouldn’t you like to know all the times people log into your social media account and from where they access it? Login notifications are one of the easiest ways to check all of your social media accounts for unusual activity.
Once turned on, you’ll be notified shortly if someone strange tries to log in to your account. This way, you’ll know something is wrong and be able to modify your login information.
7- Install Antivirus Software
Many internet service providers (ISPs) provide a certain level of security protection. You can compare ISPs in your area to see if there are better choices, or you can install an antivirus program like AVG, which comes with a free version. I would recommend the pro version, but the free version is better than no security at all if you are on a limited budget.
Follow the right steps to protect social media accounts.
Even though getting hacked sounds scary, following the steps above will go a long way toward keeping hackers away from your social media. This information will provide you with a plan for how to protect yourself from them.
FAQs
Q: Can hackers gain access to my social media accounts through weak Wi-Fi networks?
A: Yes, hackers can intercept your online activities on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Always use secure and trusted networks when accessing your social media accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Q: Are there any tools available to monitor and detect suspicious activities on my social media accounts?
A: Yes, there are several tools and services available that can help monitor your social media accounts for any unusual or suspicious activities. These tools can let you know about possible security breaches, so you can take action immediately.
Q: Is it important to keep my social media apps up-to-date?
A: Absolutely! By keeping your social media apps up to date, you can make sure you have the latest bug fixes and security patches. Security features often get improved in updates.
