Waking up to a hacked account is one of any social media users worst fears.
Additionally, hackers can use your stolen account to perpetuate crime, theft, and fraud.
But is hacking unavoidable, or are there ways to prevent it?
Your password is the easiest way to hijack your account, hence its necessity.
Setting a guessable password exposes your social media and increases its vulnerability.
Consequently, what makes a strong, secure password, and what are somecommon password mistakes?
Instead, go for more complex combinations to make your social media account less susceptible to hackers.
Most sites recommend including alphanumerics, special characters, and uppercase letters.
Thankfully, most platforms repeatedly suggest this feature to users that fail to enable it.
Depending on the platform, the process of enabling this feature varies.
However, most platforms list it under Privacy or Security prefs.
VisitGoogle SupportorApple Supportto enable 2FA on your Google and Apple accounts.
Imagine using the exact lock for every door in your home.
Anyone who accesses the main door can enter the inner doors with the same key.
This analogy, in a nutshell, explains the danger of using the same password for multiple accounts.
Although seemingly harmless, it increases your susceptibility tocredential-stuffing attacks.
Credential stuffing involves bombarding a website with numerous previously hijacked login details.
With individual passwords, if one of your accounts is breached, your other social media remains safe.
However, this doesnt erase the possibility of forgetting essential passcodes and usernames.
Bypassing this issue without compromising your security becomes necessary, hence your need for a password manager.
Such applications allow you to create as many unique passwords as possible without mixing them up.
Numerouspassword managersexist, but you want to have one that is both secure and uncomplicated.
Sometimes, using other devices is unavoidable.
In such situations, ensure you exit correctly.
Besides keeping you safe from hackers, this will help you keep track of the devices you log into.
Modify Your Passwords Regularly
In cybersecurity, secure passwords cant be overemphasized.
Adding 2FA and password managers to your passwords creates an extra barricade around your social media.
Regardless, you’re free to go the extra mile by periodically switching your passwords.
How does this tighten your accounts security?
Ignore Suspicious Links and Ads
We all get those annoying links and ads on our social media walls.
With their catchy write-ups and campaigns, these links occasionally arouse anyones interest.
But avoid following untrusted links to random pages, as they can instantly expose your account to hackers.
Seemingly harmless links sometimes contain hidden viruses, malware, and phishing attacks.
No one is above accidental clicking, so dont hesitate to enable spam blockers where possible.
Finally, if you must click that unreliable link, run it through alink safety-checking sitefor maximum security.
Login notifications provide one of the easiest ways to check suspicious activity across your social media pages.
Once enabled, you get an instant alert whenever theres a suspicious login attempt on your account.
This way, youre aware of foul play and can quickly modify your login details accordingly.
Enabling it gives you first-hand login knowledge, no matter the platform.
For example, Facebook lists sign-in attempts, the rig used, location, and time.
This doesnt mean you should freely follow risky links; always exercise caution when clicking.
Carefully study your gadget, consider the required features, and then make an informed decision.
This knowledge will equip you with strategic steps to take to protect yourself from them.
