Social media accounts are a valuable target for hackers who want to access personal information, spread malware, or impersonate users. But how often do these attacks happen and what can you do to protect yourself?
According to a report by the security firm NortonLifeLock, more than 4 billion social media accounts were compromised in 2020, a 300% increase from the previous year. The report also found that 1 in 4 social media users have experienced some form of account hacking, such as unauthorized login, password change, or content deletion.
The most common methods that hackers use to breach social media accounts are phishing, credential stuffing, and third-party app vulnerabilities. Phishing is when hackers send fake emails or messages that look like they come from a legitimate source, such as your social media platform, and ask you to click on a link or enter your password. Credential stuffing is when hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from other sites to try to log in to your social media account. Third-party app vulnerabilities are when hackers exploit flaws in apps that connect to your social media account, such as games, quizzes, or surveys.
To prevent your social media account from being hacked, you should follow these best practices:
1. Use a strong and unique password for each of your social media accounts. A strong password should have at least 12 characters and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A unique password means that you don’t use the same password for other sites or services.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your social media accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code or use an app on your phone to verify your identity when you log in from a new device or location.
3. Be careful about what you click on and what you share on social media. Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Don’t share sensitive information such as your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, or financial details on social media.
4. Review the permissions and settings of the apps that connect to your social media account. Only grant access to apps that you trust and that have a clear privacy policy. Revoke access to apps that you don’t use anymore or that ask for more information than they need.
5. Monitor your social media account activity regularly. Check your login history, security alerts, and notifications for any signs of unauthorized access or activity. If you notice anything suspicious, change your password immediately and report it to the platform.
Social media accounts are hacked more often than you might think, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your data. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising your security.
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