Online social networks may be the most convenient and fastest way to connect with loved ones, as well as business associates or clients. But there are threats that lurk around, just like in any real-world community.
Social networks are more public than people originally thought. For instance, reports emerged in early 2019 that the email contacts of as many as 1.5 million Facebook users were collected by the social media giant without their consent. Meanwhile, cybercriminals can hack your passwords, credit card and banking details, and other personal information with malicious intent. In fact, the report “Into the Web of Profit” by University of Surrey criminology senior lecturer Dr. Michael McGuire shows that cybercriminals earn $3.25 billion per year.
Risks Related to Social Media
• False identity
Hackers can use your personal information to make a profile impersonating you or to blackmail you.
• Viruses, worms, and malware
An innocent-looking message may appear on your social media account asking you to click a link that contains malware or a virus. Hackers can also create fake profiles to connect with people and then share a file to gain remote access to your computer.
• Phishing
Scammers attempt to deceive people into disclosing their sensitive personal information. For example, they will post a specific URL on your social media account, which requests your username and password to access a particular video.
How Can You Protect Your Personal Data
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords. Create complex passwords using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Change them monthly and avoid saving them in browsers. This is especially important for users planning to sell laptops online, as personal data may still be stored on the device.
2. Be Mindful of What You Share. Customize your audience settings for each post. Avoid sharing sensitive personal details publicly.
3. Update Your Privacy Settings. Set up a strong privacy question and disable third-party apps and ads under “Apps and Websites” in your account settings.
4. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, allowing you to securely access private networks—even on public Wi-Fi.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Add an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code sent to your phone when logging in from a new device.
6. Install and Update Antivirus Software. Ensure all internet-connected devices have active antivirus protection to detect and block threats.
7. Review Friend Requests and Login Alerts. Only accept requests from people you know. Monitor email alerts from platforms like Facebook and Twitter for suspicious login attempts.
8. Limit Your Audience. Block suspicious users and restrict who can see your posts. On Twitter, enable protected tweets. On LinkedIn, adjust who can follow your updates.
9. Log Out After Each Session. Always log out of your accounts when finished. Consider using Private mode when using the internet on shared or public devices to prevent unauthorized access.
Final Thoughts
Social media offers incredible connectivity—but it also opens the door to cyber threats. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to secure your accounts, you can enjoy the benefits of online networking without compromising your privacy.
If you’re planning to upgrade your device or sell your current laptop, ensure it’s completely wiped clean of personal data. Services like Gadget Salvation offer secure trade-in options for used electronics, helping you protect your information while earning cash for your next upgrade. For more insights, visit our blog for expert advice on selling electronics online and other engaging tech and sustainability topics.
Stay safe, stay smart—and keep your data protected.
Cesar is a Product Manager at Gadget Salvation, a leader in the refurbished electronics industry. An avid technology enthusiast, he’s always on top of the latest tech trends and applies that knowledge to drive product innovation.
