How to Stay Private on Social Media – Critical Tips for Social Media Privacy and Security

While scrolling through Reddit, I came across a post where someone shared that their teenage son’s account was hacked. Cybercriminals used his son’s personal information to impersonate him and then messaged his grandma and aunt, claiming he needed money to pay for his summer camp. They both fell for the trap and sent money to the account mentioned in the message.

On average, 1.4 billion social media accounts are hacked each month, and this number is expected to increase as more people create social media accounts.

In May 2023, Meta was fined $1.3 billion USD by European Union regulators. The European Data Protection Board found Meta guilty of breaching EU privacy regulations due to the unauthorized storage and transfer of personal data belonging to European Facebook users to servers located in the United States.

Every day, we upload pictures and share information about our whereabouts on social media, often unaware that this data can fall into the hands of criminals who may misuse it. Just like any valuable asset, social media accounts need to be protected from hackers. Fortunately, you can safeguard your accounts without needing advanced technical skills. In this blog, I will share some essential tips to help you protect your social media privacy and security.

Use the Strongest Privacy Settings

According to a Google report, 20% of social media accounts will be compromised at some point. Using the strongest privacy settings ensures that only trusted individuals have access to your personal information. Social media platforms offer various privacy options to control who can see your posts, contact you, and follow you. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Facebook:
   • Open the Facebook app.+
   • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
   • Scroll down and select “Settings & Privacy.”
   • Tap “Settings,” then “Privacy Checkup” to review and adjust your privacy settings.
2. Instagram:
   • Open the Instagram app.
   • Go to your profile by tapping the person icon in the bottom right.
   • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
   • Select “Settings,” then “Privacy,” and adjust your account privacy settings.
3. Twitter:
   • Open the Twitter app.
   • Tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
   • Select “Settings and privacy.”
   • Go to “Privacy and safety” and adjust your privacy settings.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. By requiring an additional form of verification, 2FA makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts. Even if they manage to steal your password, they cannot proceed without the second factor.

Here are the types of two-factor authentication methods available for different apps.

Push Notification: Involves an authenticator app sending a notification for login attempts.

One-Time Password (OTP): Usually a six-digit code generated by an app.

Email/SMS Code: Similar to OTP but sent via email or text message.

Two-Factor Token: Generates one-time passwords or works as USB keys.

Biometrics: Includes fingerprints, vocal, and facial recognition.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Facebook:
   • Open the Facebook app.
   • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
   • Scroll down and select “Settings & Privacy.”
   • Tap “Settings,” then “Security and Login.”
   • Under “Two-Factor Authentication,” tap “Use two-factor authentication” and follow the prompts.
2. Instagram:
   • Open the Instagram app.
   • Go to your profile.
   • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
   • Select “Settings,” then “Security.”
   • Tap “Two-Factor Authentication” and follow the prompts to set it up.
3. Twitter:
   • Open the Twitter app.
   • Tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
   • Select “Settings and privacy.”
   • Go to “Security and account access,” then “Security.”
   • Tap “Two-factor authentication” and follow the prompts.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are crucial for protecting your social media accounts from unauthorized access. A strong password typically includes upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. According to a report, 1% of security breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. 

Passwords serve as the gatekeepers to our most sensitive and valuable information. Much like a physical lock on a safe or a sturdy door on a vault, the strength of your password directly influences the security of your digital assets. The stronger and more complex your password, the better protected you are against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
• Example of a strong password: “Th!s1s@Str0ngP@ssw0rd!”
• If you use a word from the dictionary, replace some letters with numbers and symbols. For instance, use “3” instead of “E” or “0” instead of “O.
• Use a password generator to create strong, unique passwords and store them in a secure vault.
• Regularly change your passwords to enhance security.
• Do not reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

Set Your Profile to Private

Setting your profile to private restricts who can see your posts and personal information, ensuring only approved followers have access. Recent social media statistics reveal a staggering insight: globally, the average person spends about 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media platforms. 

To put this into perspective, that’s approximately 10% of your day dedicated to browsing, posting, and interacting online. Given this significant portion of our daily lives, it’s crucial to prioritize the privacy and security of our social media profiles. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Facebook:
   • Open the Facebook app.
   • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
   • Scroll down and select “Settings & Privacy.”
   • Tap “Settings,” then “Privacy Settings.”
   • Adjust settings to ensure your profile is private.
2. Instagram:
   • Open the Instagram app.
   • Go to your profile.
   • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner.
   • Select “Settings,” then “Privacy.”
   • Toggle “Private Account” on.
3. Twitter:
   • Open the Twitter app.
   • Tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
   • Select “Settings and privacy.”
   • Go to “Privacy and safety.”
   • Toggle “Protect your Tweets” on.

Install and Keep Anti-virus Software Updated

Anti-virus software helps protect your devices from malware, phishing attacks, and other security threats that can compromise your social media accounts. According to Cybersecurtiy states, There were 2,365 cyberattacks in 2023 with 343,338,964 victims.  Antivirus software often includes features to detect phishing attempts and scams. These are common methods used to trick users into revealing their login credentials or personal information through fake social media pages or messages. 

Antivirus Software Comparison

Antivirus Software	Platform	Free or Paid
McAfee	PC/Mobile	Paid
Trend Micro Antivirus	PC/Mobile	Paid
ESET NOD32	PC/Mobile	Paid
Avast	PC/Mobile	Free/Paid
Bitdefender	PC/Mobile	Paid
Avira	PC/Mobile	Free/Paid
Norton AntiVirus	PC/Mobile	Paid
Bitdefender Antivirus	PC/Mobile	Paid
AVG AntiVirus for Android	Mobile	Free/Paid
Malwarebytes Premium	PC/Mobile	Paid
Surfshark VPN	PC/Mobile	Paid
Kaspersky Anti-Virus	PC/Mobile	Paid
VIPRE Antivirus	PC/Mobile	Paid
Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus 2012	PC	Paid
F-secure	PC/Mobile	Paid
G Data AntiVirus	PC/Mobile	Paid
Mac Premium Bundle X9	Mac	Paid
Norton 360 Deluxe	PC/Mobile	Paid
Panda Dome	PC/Mobile	Free/Paid
Total AV	PC/Mobile	Paid
Microsoft Defender	PC	Free
Avira Prime	PC/Mobile	Paid
Total Defense Antivirus	PC/Mobile	Paid
Norton 360 with LifeLock	PC/Mobile	Paid

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Select reputable anti-virus software such as Norton, McAfee, or Avast.
• Ensure it includes real-time protection and regular updates.
• Download and install the anti-virus software from the official website.
• Regularly update the software to ensure the latest security patches are applied.

Use a Different Password for Each Social Media Account

Using different passwords for each social media account prevents a single breach from compromising all your accounts. According to a Google report, 65% of individuals reuse the same password across multiple accounts.  If you use the same password for every social media profile, you’re at higher risk of cybersecurity attacks compared to others. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Use a password manager to generate unique passwords for each account.
• Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms.
• Regularly update passwords and ensure they remain unique.

Keep Your Social Media Apps and Software Up-to-Date

Regular social media app and software updates often include security enhancements and bug fixes that protect your accounts from vulnerabilities. On a daily basis, we spend hundreds of dollars on products through the Facebook or TikTok markets. 

According to report, Up to 1 billion people buy something on Facebook Marketplace each month.  Purchasing products through social media accounts stores sensitive information like credit card details and email addresses. If cybercriminals breach your social media account, they can access stored credit card and sensitive information. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Enable automatic updates on your phone.
• Regularly check for updates in the app store and manually update if necessary.
• Ensure your device’s operating system is up-to-date.
• Only buy from reputable companies through secure websites.
• Ensure the website uses HTTPS and has a privacy policy.
• Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms.
• Limit the amount of personal information visible to others.
• Regularly check for and install software updates.

Use VPN When Connecting to Public WiFi

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from being intercepted on public WiFi networks.  According to Anne Neuberger, the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for cyber and emerging technologies, the annual average cost of cybercrime is projected to surpass $23 trillion by 2027, a significant increase from $8.4 trillion in 2022.

By routing your internet traffic through a remote server, a VPN hides your IP address and ensures that your data is encrypted. This makes it significantly harder for hackers, government agencies, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to monitor or track your online activities. 

List of VPNs Available in the Market:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• ProtonVPN
• Surfshark
• CyberGhost VPN
• hide.me VPN
• IPVanish
• Private Internet Access VPN
• TunnelBear
• PrivadoVPN
• Atlas VPN
• Hotspot Shield
• Windscribe
• Mullvad
• Norton Secure VPN
• PureVPN
• Bitdefender VPN

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Select a reputable VPN service such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost.
• Ensure it offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy.
• Download and install the VPN app on your device.
• Open the app and connect to a server before using public WiFi.

Don’t Share Your Location or Travel Plans

It’s common for people to post their next vacation on social media. After all, is it really a vacation if you don’t document it on Instagram? However, doing so can put you at risk for a cyber attack. You may be wondering how that’s even possible. Well, many cyber threats stem from social engineering attacks. Social engineering uses manipulation to trick you into giving away sensitive information. 

Cybercriminals use the information you provide on social media to plan their next attack. When you post about future travel plans, you give the cybercriminals ammunition to target you as their next victim. Some attacks go beyond the internet and could target your home since the attacker is aware that you will be gone for a period of time.

Step-by-Step Guide: 

• Go to your phone’s settings.
• Navigate to “Privacy” or “Location Services.”
• Disable location access for social media apps.
• Refrain from posting real-time updates about your travel plans.
• Avoid mentioning specific dates, times, and destinations.
• Share travel experiences after returning home.

Don’t Publish Personal Information

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to avoid sharing critical personal information online, including your home address, credit card number, or phone number. The more posts you make, the easier it becomes for cybercriminals to steal your identity.

 According to The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) Annual Data Breach Report, 2023 saw a record high number of data compromises in the U.S., with a 72% increase from the previous all-time high set in 2021. At least 353 million individuals were impacted. Cybercriminals can use your personal information, such as your home address, date of birth, and Social Security number, to steal your identity. 

They can open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and even take out loans in your name, leaving you with damaged credit and financial loss. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Go to your social media profiles.
• Remove or restrict access to sensitive information.
• Avoid sharing personal details in posts or comments.

Be Selective With Friend Requests

Nowadays, making new friends online is super popular, especially with teenagers. Social media, messaging apps, and online communities make it easy to connect with people from all over the world. Teens love these digital interactions because they can explore different cultures, share their interests, and make friends beyond their local area. 

For today’s teens, friendships often begin online: 57% of teens have made a new friend through the internet. Social media and online games are the most common places where these digital connections are formed. Fake accounts can also be used to scam you or your friends. Scammers may pretend to be someone in need of financial help or offer fraudulent investment opportunities. 

By gaining your trust, they can manipulate you into sending money or sharing financial information. While it’s exciting to build these virtual connections, it’s also important to be careful and aware of potential risks.  

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Review the profile of the person sending the request.
• Look for mutual friends, a complete profile, and signs of authenticity.
• Accept requests only from people you know or trust.
• Regularly review and clean up your friend list.

How to Check That Your Personal Information Is Not Leaked

Due to some unknown reason, your personal information may have been leaked, but how do you know before anything serious happens? Detecting and dealing with possible data breaches early is crucial to reduce risks and keep yourself safe from identity theft and other online dangers.

 Here’s are few steps on how you can check if your personal information has been leaked by using monitoring service available online.

• Identity monitoring services like Truth Scouts offer valuable tools to keep track of your personal information across the internet. 
• Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit card statements, and online transactions for any unauthorized activities. Set up alerts for unusual transactions.
• Stay informed about data breaches that may affect your accounts. Websites like Have I Been Pwned allow you to check if your email address has been compromised in any known breaches.
• Consider using dark web monitoring services like OmniWatch that can scan the dark web for mentions of your personal information. These services alert you if your data appears in suspicious contexts.

Final Words 

In today’s digital age, safeguarding your privacy on social media is not just prudent but essential. By implementing the strategies discussed, managing your privacy settings, being mindful of what you share, and staying vigilant against threats, you can significantly enhance your online security.