Lesson 3 - Social Media Security
As we progress into the 21st century, social media finds its way into every aspect of our daily lives. Therefore, we must adapt to such a changing time by learning how to protect whatever this new lifestyle may impede. Over 75% of internet users use new social applications that make it as convenient as ever to capture and share fresh moments at anytime, anywhere. However, we must be cautious of the information we bestow; these virtual communities with unique, customizable profiles give countless opportunities to online predators that target vulnerable users. This has become such an important issue because research has found that only 9% of teenage social media users have concerns with the privacy of their data.
Social media ranging from Instagram and Snapchat to Tinder encourage users to publish the most information about them to maximize their connection and interaction with others online; Yet this has become a loophole for criminals to access your personal data. To prevent identity theft, individuals must be careful about giving out their full name and birthday; they should also be willing to minimize the real facts about them by using nick names, initials, or birthdays a few days off.
Also, be aware that befriending strangers, even if only to increase number of followers, can put yourself in great danger.
Although it may sound excessive, the emphasis on passwords in cyber safety reveals the importance of such a small factor to online accounts. Passwords have become keys for anyone to access all of your information. We must be especially careful when sharing such codes with friends because we may never know how our data can leak out, regardless of who we trust; instead, you can make temporary passwords to prevent exploitation in the future. Users also make themselves easy targets by using the same password for multiple accounts. Although they may be hard to remember, complex and various passwords can minimize your vulnerability across social media.
Overall, there are heaps of risks to connecting, sharing, and establishing an online presence. Therefore, the Cyber Safety Academy emphasizes social media users to be minimalists and share carefully; think twice about sharing locations, contact numbers, or passwords. Do not fall into the trap of online predators! Be aware that befriending strangers, even if only to increase number of followers, can put yourself in great danger. Consider how what you post, do, and say online reflects your true character and can always be used against you.