The world has evidenced data breaches in large tech companies like Facebook and LinkedIn. More recently, the ransomware attacks on Colonial Pipelines and meat giants, JBS indeed proves that no one is completely safe from hackers. It is prime time to be conscious of cyberattacks, mainly social hacks and data breaches. Although hacking is recognized as a serious offense, attackers get away with trace-removing tools and technologies. Hackers demanded Bitcoin as ransom in recent ransomware attacks. Social tech giants like Facebook, Google, Instagram, and Snapchat are always striving to enhance security to avoid digital attacks. But surely it will never be enough. The users need to equally participate in getting their accounts secured by all means possible and not leaving any backdoors for attacks.
Although hacking cannot be completely ruled out, here are 5 tips to defend your social accounts from threatening hacks
Two-factor authentication
The social media platforms have realized the risks of breaches and illegal access and have come up with a two-factor authentication protocol. This method does not let attackers gain access just through passwords. Whenever you log in to your account from a new device, it automatically notifies the account owner via the linked device.
This way, even if the hacker has access to your login credentials, they need to get the code sent to your mobile number, which is highly unlikely. Almost all networks have implemented this protection tool. It is probably the best defender against social account hacks to date that tech companies can offer.
Passwords manager
We do have accounts for many platforms, and it is challenging to remember the login details of all these accounts. This ultimately urges people to go with the same passwords, which makes it easy to remember. Meanwhile, it is the biggest mistake as it makes the job of hackers easy. When getting access to one username and password, the hackers can automate login attempts on social accounts.
There are multiply verified and secured password manager applications like 1Password and Bitwarden. You can cut out hefty password-related activities, including creating strong passwords, saving passwords, and auto-fill passwords during login sessions. All the work with just one password of the manager app. Nonetheless, Google also offers auto save password feature, which is reliable.
Use VPN in public networks
At times, we need to step out of our homes or offices and use our phones in public networks like public Wi-Fi or hotspots at cafes and restaurants. However, public networks can be easily compromised, and hackers can snoop on the data transmitted on such networks. VPN is a must in such circumstances to protect your digital privacy and security. VPN offers strong encryption mechanisms to secure your data.
Both Android and iOS have built-in VPN features through which you can manually set up a VPN. In another case, you can download trusted VPNs apps from Play Store. In addition, you should make use of encrypted chats available in Facebook Messenger and Viber.
Avoid following suspicious links and websites
Phishing links in emails have probably become an outdated form of cyberattacks. The attackers have turned wise and started targeting websites. With advanced scripting languages like JavaScript, attackers now load fake urgency messages into the websites requesting login to the Facebook accounts.
You may have recently heard about applications removed from the Google Play store for stealing Facebook info in a trade-off of login for removing ads.
Likewise, it would be best to avoid links from unknown people. In any case, you need to follow up, open links via search engines rather than directly accessing them from the email.
Don’t share emails
Email is the key that relates to most of our social accounts. An attacker can modify login credentials for all other platforms simply through the “Reset password” option. Email accounts are more likely to link with digital bank accounts, which need utmost safeguarding. The hackers can deploy attacks to log in just only with email combined with multiple password patterns. It is best not to share emails with unknown people and unknown sites like survey sites.
Despite all the security protocols and awareness, there always a chance of getting our digital accounts hacked. However, the implementation of the above-mentioned strategies will present the hackers with a great challenge. In any case, if you can not log in to your social accounts, report the compromised accounts to the concerned tech companies.
However, post-attack strategies are more complex and challenging when the victim is a firm rather than an individual.
