Use social media safely

Whether you intend to join one or a number of social media platforms, security should be at the top of your agenda. Identity theft, fake emails and security threats to small and large companies are on the rise. Ensuring you are using social media securely is essential.

Online Security for social media

Using social media can expose you and your business to attacks from hackers and other malicious groups. However, there are many steps you can take to help prevent identity theft and security threats. Follow the guidelines below to ensure you use social media safely:

Secure your login details

Keep your login details secure and regularly change your password. Use a strong complex password that is over eight characters long and contains capital letters, symbols or numbers.

Manage access control

Keep tight control of who has access to your corporate accounts and what they can view, post and edit. Some staff may only need to access analytics. Others may need full admin powers. Make sure that anyone leaving the business can't get access. This can be done by changing passwords or removing their admin permissions.

Be cautious of unexpected contacts

Be cautious of anyone who contacts you unexpectedly on social media claiming to be a reputable organisation. This could be a phishing attack. Phishing is where emails or messages seem to be from a reliable source, like a bank or another business but they are actually used to get personal details.

Protect against corporate identity theft

Watch out for corporate identity theft. Criminals could use your business name and branding on social media. They would pose as your business to gain users' trust. This could be part of a phishing scam or an attempt to gain high numbers of followers that can be sold on.  You can report fraud to Action Fraud. Running competitions on social media can put your business at risk of being impersonated. 

Safeguard sensitive information

Never reveal any sensitive information about yourself, your business, or your customers. First, check the credentials of the enquirer.

Secure your wireless network

If you access social media via wi-fi, ensure you have enough security. This protects your network from eavesdropping and hackers.

Handle attachments with care

Avoid opening message attachments from unknown sources.  If you receive an unexpected attachment from what appears to be someone you know – check with the sender first.  Don't open attachments with file endings like '.exe' (an executable file) or '.scr' (used for Windows screensavers). These files can be Trojans that infect your computer.

Be wary of links

Be wary of clicking on links added to messages on any social media platforms that you use. These include links to current events, entertainment news or other links to high traffic sites. These links can take you to phishing websites and have the potential to infect your computer. If clicking on a link, always check the website address. Beware of slight changes to reputable domain names designed to trick users. 

Avoid suspicious emails and popups

Avoid clicking on ads and popups. Be cautious of any app that wants to install on your computer.