Most people only understand hacking in the traditional sense where malicious web experts use corrupt codes to pry open virtual backdoors into open networks and damage or steal information stored in specific computers. This has been a common threat to computer technology since the advent of the internet and most people have taken the right steps to prevent its occurrence. But when it comes to social media hacking or social engineering, the process is entirely different and anyone with a social media account can be vulnerable to hacking if they don’t take the right steps to safeguard their accounts.
Here are great solutions to prevent chances of anyone hacking your accounts:
Verify Before You Click
Most hackers use a psychological approach to get your attention and have you clicking away at malicious programs. A link will be posted on your account and when you click on it you could download anything from worms, viruses or spyware. They operate from a number of angles but the most common include:
“Did you see this picture?”
“Get 40% off on shoes!” Or gadgets in the case of guys.
“Click to win an iPad!”
“Click to get a free lunch!”
Strong Passwords
One of the main reasons it’s so easy for people to steal personal information online is the use of weak passwords. It gets worse when a person uses one password or a variation of it across multiple websites. If you suspect you have a weak password you have the following options:
Use a password app to generate secure passwords for your accounts.
Form a habit of creating long complex passwords. Use a variation of uppercase, lower case, numbers and a few special characters.
Use password software that creates complex passwords which you can enter by keying in a simple ‘password’ across different platforms as a way to generate the more secure passwords.
Make use of the two-factor authentication process. Most websites have this option but not many people use it. It can enhance security for both your social website presence and the emails associated with each of the accounts.
Be Careful When Networking
One security advantage of social networking sites is that only specific social contacts are able to view your personal information. With this in mind it would be a good idea to be selective about whom you interact with online. If you have a habit of accepting invitations from people you don’t know then one of those people might just be a hacker. Keep in mind most hackers are friendly and they don’t really stand out so in order to keep safe:
Only accept invitations from people you know
Ignore persistent requests to join or install apps on your account
Report and block anyone you suspect to be a spammer or hacker
Don’t post information that could make it easy for hackers to steal your identity
Awareness is the way to beat cybercrimes. The more you understand how hackers operate the easier it will be to stay protected. Anti-spyware programs are essential in keeping out malicious programs from your computer when you’re online so use them. Use the Norton contact number to get more information on securing your accounts.