What you’ll learn (TL;DR)
- Social media brings homeowners together through platforms like Nextdoor, Pinterest, and Instagram for local events, neighborhood watch, and home improvement ideas.
- Security and privacy risks on social media include identity theft, data breaches, and phishing scams.
- Activating Multi-Factor Authentication can add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
How To Be Social Media Smart
Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube have become essential to our daily routine. They keep us connected with friends and family and update us on the latest news and trends.
Social media also brings homeowners together. Platforms like Nextdoor create tight-knit digital communities in our neighborhoods, where we can share local events, report suspicious activities, and even coordinate neighborhood watch efforts. Other platforms like Pinterest and Instagram provide endless inspiration for home improvement ideas and DIY projects to make our space feel more like home.
With social media's convenience and connection come security and privacy risks, including identity theft, data breaches, and phishing scams. Here are three steps you can take today to become social media CyberSmart.
Adjust Your Privacy Settings
Every time you download a new app, take a second to turn off any unnecessary permissions. Consider disabling camera and microphone access—if the app is compromised, this will help protect you from cybercriminals watching or listening into your life. Limit sharing your contacts—if your contact list is exposed in a data breach, it could be a target of phishing or fraud. Limit sharing location unless you trust the site and need location enabled to use it. Posting live updates or using geotags could accidentally reveal your daily routines, habits, and even home address. Think twice about posting about places you visit regularly. If you’re excited to post about a great vacation, consider waiting to disclose the location when you are no longer there.
Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Last year, phishing attacks—scams where cybercriminals trick people into sharing sensitive information—were the top cybercrime reported to the FBI. Cybercriminals often use phishing to steal peoples’ login credentials, but what happens next? Once they have your username and password, cybercriminals can infiltrate your social circles and, by impersonating you, can trick your friends and family into sending money or clicking on malware-infected links. Chances are you have probably seen at least one friend post about their account being hacked; don’t become the next victim. Turn on multi-factor authentication, or MFA, in the platform’s security settings. Most major social media sites offer MFA as a second layer of protection for your account beyond a password. MFA helps protect your account even if your password is stolen.
Share Knowledge (Not Just Selfies)
Only 18% of young adults report feeling comfortable with what their friends post about them online. Even if you’re not active on social media, the content your friends and family post about you hinges on how well their accounts are secured. By sharing tips about creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing scams, and protecting your personal information online, you can help your loved ones avoid falling victim to cyber scams, and protect your own information in the process.
References
1.
“Share with Care: Staying Safe on Social Media.” National Cybersecurity Alliance, 27 April, 2023
2.
“Limiting Location Data Exposure.” National Security Agency, August 2020
3.
“Protecting Your Privacy – Online, in apps, and in real life.” USC
4.
“Internet Crime Report 2023.” FBI 2023
5.
“Social Media Guide.” CISA Gov
6.
“Social Media: A Golden Goose For Scammers.” Federal Trade Commission, 6 October, 2023
7.
“Social Media and Investment Fraud.” 29, August, 2022, U.S Securities and Exchange Commission