Social Media

Warning!
Social media platforms that many of us love and use daily have created new opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit. Sharing data and information is an inherent part of social media platforms and apps. Many people place high trust in these platforms which creates a perfect place for cyber criminals to hang out.

Malware
Because of their large user communities, social media platforms are a big target for malware. Simply clicking a link can infect your device with unwanted malware leading to system slowdown or possibly data leakage. Social media platforms are even being used today to promote and sell tools used by hackers!

Personal Data
Social media is also full of personal data. People often unconsiously disclose sensitive information such as friends and family names, activities such as celebrating a birthday, or out-of-town status such as being away from home on a fabulous vacation. This information can be used as an ice-breaker for conversations with potential cyber criminals. Without due care, other personal data is often available online to cyber criminals - all of which can lead to identify theft or the creation of false identities.

Conclusion
Social media is not all bad. When used properly, it's a great way to reconnect or stay in touch with family and friends, but this takes effort! Below are some key points to remember when using social media platforms:

• Know the audience
• Don't share too much information
• Monitor and review your public profile regularly
• Practice strong password hygiene including multifactor authentication
• Avoid using social media on a shared computer or public device
• Change your password as soon as possible if you feel your account has been breached