Protect Yourself on Social Media

Like so many areas, social media cyber-attacks are on the rise, both on individual accounts and wider platform hacks. While you can’t prevent a large, headline-making hack, you can take practical steps like these to protect your own information:

• Always use complex passwords on your social media accounts and update them frequently.
• When filling out a social media profile, leave personal details – such as your home address, phone number, birthday, and email – blank. And don’t mention your mother’s last name or other personal details in posts, which cybercriminals could use to answer security challenge questions.
• Don’t accept friend requests from anyone you don’t know in the real world. Don’t accept a second friend request if you’re already connected.
• Secure your mobile devices with passcode, fingerprint, or facial protection/recognition. Upgrade as soon as possible when a social media app prompts you to do so.
• Avoid using your social media accounts on public wireless connections, which make it easier for others to see your sensitive data. And if you access social media on a public computer (ideally, don’t), be sure to log out and clear your browsing history when you’re done.
• Avoid signing into other apps using Facebook.
• Consider setting up a “burner email” for social media activity, which isn’t tied to your name or other email accounts. 
• Turn location tracking off on your social media channels. Turn off the GPS function on your smartphone camera if you plan to post images. Don’t post vacation photos until you return home.
• Be cautious about clicking on links – even from friends – and completing quizzes and surveys.
• Check your security settings on your social media accounts regularly. They may revert to a less private default when updates occur.
• Make sure you have a quality security software installed on your devices.

Just as you strive to protect your personal information on social media accounts, we’re committed to keeping your financial account information secure. And as always, we’re available to discuss any concerns you may have about your finances.