📣 Social Media

🛠️ What is it?#

Social media platforms allow us to connect, share, and express ourselves with a global audience. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and Twitter, these platforms provide convenience and fun—but they also pose significant privacy and security risks if not used wisely.

🚨 Why is this important?#

Every post, like, and share creates a digital footprint that can be difficult to erase. Oversharing can expose personal information, invite scams, or even damage reputations. Cybercriminals and companies alike exploit social media data for profit. Setting boundaries and taking proactive measures can help protect your online identity.

🛡️ What can I do?#

🟢 Start Here (The Basics)#

1. Review Privacy Settings
   Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts, follow you, or contact you. Most platforms have options for limiting visibility to friends or specific groups.

2. Think Before You Post
   Avoid sharing sensitive information like your home address, phone number, or vacation plans. What you post can be saved, reshared, and archived by others.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Protect your account with an additional layer of security like an SMS code or authentication app. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter support this feature.

4. Beware of Phishing Scams
   Be cautious about clicking links sent through direct messages or comments. Always verify the source before interacting with suspicious messages.

5. Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
   Keep details like your location, workplace, and family members private to reduce the risk of identity theft or stalking.

🔵 Want Extra Protection? (Leveling Up)#

1. Use Unique Passwords
   Create strong, unique passwords for each social media account. Consider using a password manager for convenience and security.

2. Limit Third-Party Access
   Regularly review and revoke permissions granted to third-party apps. These apps can access your data and sometimes share it with unauthorized parties.

3. Disable Location Tagging
   Turn off location tagging on posts and photos to prevent revealing where you live or frequently visit.

4. Monitor Your Digital Footprint
   Search for your name online periodically to see what information about you is publicly accessible. Take steps to remove outdated or inaccurate content.

5. Be Skeptical of Friend Requests
   Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know. Fake profiles can be used for phishing, scamming, or gathering personal data.

📚 Handy Tools and Resources#

• Privacy Checkups: Use Facebook Privacy Checkup and Google Privacy Checkup to manage your settings.
• Account Monitoring: Services like Have I Been Pwned can notify you if your account credentials have been compromised.
• Password Managers: Bitwarden or 1Password to manage passwords securely.

✍️ Quick Tips#

• Use a neutral or anonymous username for public profiles.
• Avoid sharing content when emotional—pause and think before posting.
• Regularly update your social media apps to patch vulnerabilities.

📝 Checklist#

• Review and adjust your privacy settings on all platforms.
• Enable two-factor authentication for every account.
• Revoke unnecessary third-party app access.
• Turn off location tagging and avoid posting sensitive information.
• Use unique, strong passwords for each account.

📖 Sources#

• Facebook Privacy Center
• CISA – Social Media Tips
• Have I Been Pwned
• Bitwarden Password Manager