How to Secure Your Social Media Accounts from Hackers

Social media has matured into the sine qua non of our daily lives. We utilize it for many purposes, like linking with relatives and friends, doing business, sharing personal info, and even for professional networking. As a result of this upswing in the use of social media, it has become a target of hackers. Cybercriminals are exploiting password breaches, phishing scams, and software bugs to access individual accounts, steal identities, and help spread malware.

If you don’t take the necessary safety measures, you can be potential victims of losing your accounts or scams. This guide is going to tell you methods on how you can keep your social media accounts safe from hackers, ensuring your privacy, and staying safe while being online.

1. How to Create Strong and Unique Passwords

The Importance of a Strong Password

The necessity of having complex and strong passwords cannot be overemphasized as they are the first line of defense against hackers. A draughty password is like leaving your front door unlocked while intruders ambulate through it. Malicious users often mess with simple passwords utilizing brute force attacks, credential stuffing, and password spraying techniques that help them gain access to accounts.

How to Create a Secure Password:

• Create a mix of at least 12-16 characters, a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using personal details like your name, birthday, or pet’s name.
• Stop using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Consider utilizing weird passphrases.

Using a Password Manager

It can be difficult to recall several complicated passwords. In such a case, a password manager that safely houses your passwords and auto-fills when required could be your best shout. Some password managers out there are 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden.

2. How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

The additional protection provided by Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) requires an extra means of validation besides the password; even if a cybercriminal were to obtain the password, access to the account will elude them without an additional way to validate themselves.

How to Set Up 2FA:

• Open the social media platform webpage/account and go to the account settings.
• Look for the permissions related to security or the login menu; they stay on the Two-Factor Authentication page.
• Choose one of the ways the verification will be done:

1. Through an SMS Code (You will receive the code on your phone)
2. Authenticator app (You can use the apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator)
3. Security Key (Physical device, e.g., YubiKey, Titan Security Key)

• Create an account via SMS code (sent to your mobile).
• The following Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator Applications, etc. can be configured in this way
• Security Key (YubiKey, Titan Security Key)
• Hit two-factor authentication on the screen provided.

Pro Tip: Hacking targeted over SMS services is easily done; therefore, the security apps that ask for Google Authenticator on behalf of such services are preferable.

3. How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

What is Phishing?

The act of phishing is a hacking method used by cybercriminals through fake emails, messages, or websites that look like real ones to trick users into providing their login credentials.

How to Identify Phishing Attempts:

• Check the email address of the sender for suspicious domains (for example, an email from [email protected] instead of support@facebook.com).
• Look for messages with grammatical errors and urgent requests.
• Never click on suspicious links in emails or messages—hover over links to examine the real URL.
• Be suspicious of messages claiming that your account is in danger and ask you to submit your password.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing:

• Enable the spam filter of your email account.
• Use a browser plug-in like Bitdefender TrafficLight to detect phishing sites.
• Verify login requests from the social media app rather than by clicking on links in emails.
• Report the phishing attempts to the platform’s support team.

4. How to Secure Your Account Recovery Options

Why Account Recovery Matters

Account recovery options that are insecure are frequently taken advantage of by hackers. Vulnerable recovery settings will mean there is a risk of losing control of your account.

How to Strengthen Account Recovery:

• Revamp your recovery email and phone number using today’s latest, safest options.
• Utilize a separate email address unconnected to the social media sites that you will use for password recovery.
• Deactivate the account recovery questions that have easily guessed answers like, “What is your mother’s maiden name?”

Bonus Tip: On some platforms, you can arrange for a reliable contact to help restore your account should you lose it.

5. How to Limit Third-Party App Access

Lots of social networking accounts let you add in third-party apps, say, for instance, games, and even productivity tools. By the way, these developers may also collect your personal information and share it with sources or third-party advertisers. If these weakly secured apps are compromised, unauthorized users can get in through the back door and access your account.

How to Manage Third-Party App Permissions:

• Browse to your social network settings and check all the connected apps.
• Remove the access rights of the unsolicited apps that you used to use or no longer use now.
• Only allow the necessary permissions and keep them within proper limits. Do not give the apps full power; otherwise, they could be a security threat to your account.

6. How to Monitor and Log Out of Active Sessions

Why You Should Monitor Login Activity

Hacking is a common thing happening nowadays, so the thief broke from figures that are still unknown. Practicing session control can be your saviour in case of unauthorized access. You can be able to act promptly and prevent a worst-case scenario from happening if you know your active session status.

How to Check Active Sessions:

• On Facebook: Settings > Security and Login > Where You’re Logged In
• On Instagram: Settings > Security > Login Activity
• On Twitter: Settings > Security and Account Access > Apps and Sessions
• On LinkedIn: Settings & Privacy > Sign-in & Security > Where You’re Signed In

Whenever you see an unidentified device, quit the channel and change your passcode immediately.

7. How to Keep Your Devices Secure

Your security is as powerful as the devices you use. If some hackers attacked your smartphone or computer, this means all your information in your online account will fall into enemy hands.

Device Security Tips:

• Keep your operating system and applications updated; because of these, security holes will be fixed.
• Install antivirus software, and the infection of viruses will be hindered on your machine.
• Do not use public Wi-Fi unless it is private and protected by a virtual private network VPN.
• Do what is required to prevent fingerprint or facial recognition methods from getting into other people’s hands.

In their constant effort to outsmart our security measures, cybercriminals are continually changing their tactics; therefore, social media security is an ongoing process. Following these steps will significantly lower the risks of hacking for you.

Be vigilant, updated, and safe.