This is the fifth in a series of articles focusing on practical ways to block key Cyber Crime Gateways.
Would you believe more people own a mobile device than a toothbrush? If Facebook was a country it would be number 1 in world population? Every 2 seconds someone joins LinkedIn-that's like the entire enrollment of the Ivy League joining LinkedIn every day? See these and other social media trivia on this video from Socialnomics 2017.
With social media integrated so thoroughly into our lives, it is imperative that you own and protect your business social media presence and security. How do you do that?
Social Media Presence
Your business reputation is the core of your success. Manage your online reputation with these 10 steps from Forbes Magazine.
Social Media Security
To protect yourself and your company on social media, the Better Business Bureau advises you to:
Secure your information. Be careful when entering sensitive information (credit card numbers, driver's license number, Social Security number) online. Always make sure the website is secure by looking for the "s" in "https" at the beginning of the website's URL.
Make strong passwords and change them often. Take time to go through your passwords and change them. Every three months is a good timeline to follow, but change them at least twice a year. Avoid obvious or easy-to-guess passwords. Create a unique password for each of your social media accounts.
Be careful what you click. Just because a friend shares it, doesn't mean it is a safe link. Referred to as "clickbait," filling out a quiz a friend posted on their timeline or sharing an article with an outlandish headline could be an attempt to gain access to your profile. When social media profiles are hacked, scammers can share viral links that will download malware on your computer. Hover over a link before you click and never enter personal information if prompted by a shared link. Also, be cautious of pop-up windows and keep your antivirus software up-to-date.
Don't overshare. Never share your Social Security number on social media sites. Also, think twice before sharing your vacation plans away from home, or information that makes you vulnerable, as scammers and thieves could take advantage of you.
Check your privacy settings. Periodically, review your privacy settings on your social media accounts. Limit your profile views to only your friends and the people you trust with your information. Also, read the terms of service and privacy policy on social media sites, as it tells you exactly what the site can and will do with your information.
Think before you post. Once a status or photo is posted, even if deleted, it is still somewhere in cyberspace forever. Use your best judgement: always ask yourself if it should be posted and think of the possible ramifications of the information shared.
