Staying Secure on Social Media

Social Media like many communication tools have its merits and demerits

Depending on usage and having a clear understanding of steps you can take to

protect yourself, identity, information and even loved ones.

Social Media was designed as a means to increase network and

make communication easy and effective

But certain fraudulent and criminally minded elements

have decided to use it as a means to broaden their reach and prey on vulnerable users.

This post is meant to enlighten and focus our minds on various attitude which increase your vulnerability while using Social Media with a view to educate and help us secure ourselves better.

Many people have been scammed based on information shared on their page

before they understand that they are communicating with an unknown figure,

the deed is done and regret becomes the next point of call.

Most times they wouldn’t even remember where and when

they divulged an information which they believe was personal.

e.g An impostor called my colleague posing as his brother abroad

and requested for some funds before the guy would realize he was an impostor

he had parted with a huge sum of money.

He returned and was lamenting that this must be from someone well known to him

 as there are information that the impostor was privy to which was within the family

I promised to investigate and advise him and identified the following

a.            He has a full list of his family members on his Facebook profile

b.            His Facebook profile information was open for view to the "Public"

c.             His Family members are so active on Facebook.

There is no limit to what they share from family vacation pix,

to family Re-union, to get-together plans. In fact all you need to get to know what is happening               in his clan is to follow him and like their family page

d.            His personal information (address, Schools attended and year of graduation, etc)

was clearly stated. Same for most of his family members in his circle.

I pointed out these vulnerabilities and further explained that

it is so easy for anyone to get information they think is personal by just following his page.

I have highlighted certain tips on how to increase your security on Social Media

 and to an extent Keep you safe from Phishing attacks

1.            Be very selective of your circle of friends. Criticize friends request properly before accepting.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry shouldn’t be your friend.

2.            Be mindful of what you share

Imagine someone who have a robber on his circle of friends

sharing the post "so blessed" with image of wads of cash and clean rides.

If his address is stated in his profile, it is a clear invitation to get robbed.

Or one who have a secret stalker checking in on every location she visits.

That is tantamount to putting a tracker on yourself.

3.            Be careful of which built-in apps you use. Check-in Maps and Location tags,

to me, is a vulnerability except you have made your page views to be "Private".

4.            Never click shared links (Be it Video, Audio or Software) of unknown origin

This is usually the way many download Keylogger to their system.

Keylogger, simply put, is a software that identify any information typed on your keyboard  including website address, username and password and sends to the originating hackers system

for use anytime they deem fit.

5.            Activate Built-in security and Privacy Features

Certain security and privacy features are built into Social Media Platforms e.g.

- Audience: This can be used to set who sees what you share

- Sign-in Verification Code: This sends a random code to your registered phone number

anytime an attempt is made to sign into your account. Without this code,

log-in cannot be successful.

- Privacy Settings: This can be used to set who sees pictures or posts

 you are tagged in (friends only, friend  of friends etc), whose tags can appear on your wall

and who can view what information shared on your profile.

6.            Be Vigilant

For no reason should you be compelled to do the following

- Share your username and password with anyone or on any form, online or offline,

your password is your private identity. It is not for public consumption.

- Share your log-in code or security feature activated on your page.

7.            Always trust your instincts

If you feel uneasy about divulging any information, please do not do it!

Stay Safe Friends….