Navigating Social Media Security & Privacy

Over 50% of social media users don't understand their privacy settings. Take time to learn each platform's settings to control who sees your information and to secure your data effectively.

Oversharing can lead to identity theft. A study found that sharing birthday, phone number, and address can put you at risk. Share minimal personal information to reduce exposure to cybercriminals.

Approximately 10% of social media accounts are fake. Look for verification checks, activity consistency, and mutual connections to identify authentic profiles. Avoid interacting with suspicious accounts to protect your information.

Using a passphrase can make your accounts 3 times more secure than a simple password. Always enable two-factor authentication and use a passphrase that combines multiple unrelated words and symbols.

Social media phishing attacks have increased by 74%. Be skeptical of messages asking for personal information, even from friends. Verify through other communication forms before sharing any details.

Your digital footprint is permanent. One in five employers have turned down a candidate due to their online behavior. Regularly review and clean up your posts and likes to maintain a positive online reputation.

Stay updated on the latest social media scams. Scammers often exploit current events for schemes. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in fake health products and charity scams.