Lock Down Your Likes – 10 Essential Tips to Secure Your Social Media from Hackers

Let’s face it – we’re all glued to our phones, scrolling through feeds, and double-tapping like there’s no tomorrow. But have you ever stopped to think about how safe your accounts really are? I mean, it’s not just about sharing your epic brunch pics anymore. Your social media is basically your digital identity both personally and professionally! 

 

Here’s 10 tips to keep your presence on lockdown. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! 

STEP UP YOUR PASSWORD GAME

First up, passwords. I know, I know – remembering complex passwords is a pain. But hear me out: mix it up with some uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and throw in a symbol or two. Your pet’s name and birthday? That’s a big no-no. If you’re like me and can’t remember what you had for breakfast, let alone multiple passwords, try a password manager. It’s a game-changer! LastPass offers a free password generator that allows you to create a password up to 50-characters long with uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. 

ARE YOU USING TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?

Next, two-factor authentication. It’s like having a bouncer for your account. Sure, it might slow you down for a sec, but it’s worth it. When you log in, you’ll need to prove it’s really you – usually with a code sent to your phone. It’s like your account is saying, “New phone, who dis?” to potential hackers. 

ARE YOU BEING PHISHED?

Now, let’s talk about those sneaky phishing scams. They’re like the digital equivalent of that guy trying to sell you a “genuine” Rolex on the street. If an email or message looks fishy (pun intended), don’t click! Double-check the sender and website addresses. When in doubt, throw it out! CheckPhish by Bolster has a free phishing link checker for you to use! 

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR ACCOUNTS!

Keep an eye on your accounts, too. Notice something weird, like posts you don’t remember making or logins from places you’ve never been? Time to change that password, pronto! 

BE JUDICIOUS WITH THIRD-PARTY APPS

And those third-party apps? They’re cool and all, but be picky about which ones you let into your digital circle. It’s like giving out spare keys to your house – only do it for the ones you really trust. 

ARE YOU UPDATING?

Don’t forget to update your apps and devices. I know, those update notifications can be annoying, but they’re like digital vitamins – they keep your tech healthy and secure. 

USING PUBLIC WI-FI

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also a hacker’s playground. If you absolutely must check your socials while sipping that latte at your local café, consider using a VPN. It’s like an invisibility cloak for your data! You can feel safer on a public wifi network by verifying the network with an employee. Many public wifi scams will try to replicate the look of the wifi network to make it appear that it’s the guest wifi of the respective establishment. Regardless, always avoid transmitting sensitive information while on public wifi, and when you’re finished using the network, go in to your wifi network settings and “Forget This Network” to further remove it from your device. To feel extra safe, you can always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). NordVPN is the preferred network of famed ethical hacker and YouTuber Pierogi of Scammer Payback. 

KNOWING WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE SCAMMING WORLD

Knowledge is power, folks. Stay in the loop about the latest cyber threats. It’s like learning the rules of the road – the more you know, the safer you’ll be. Here is a resource by the Federal Trade Commission that can help keep you updated! 

ARE YOU SETUP FOR ACCOUNT RECOVERY?

Set up those account recovery options, too. It’s like leaving a spare key with a trusted friend – just in case you get locked out. Here’s a great resource by the National Cybersecurity Alliance. 

BACK UP YOUR DATA – ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT.

Lastly, back up your data regularly. Think of it as making copies of your favorite photos – you’ll be glad you did if something goes wrong. pCloud is a great fool to backup your social media and other files safely and securely. 

 

Remember, staying safe online isn’t a one-time thing. It’s more like brushing your teeth – you gotta do it regularly to keep things healthy. Stay sharp, stay secure, and keep those likes coming!