When facing the difficulty of boosting brand recognition, social media is an excellent approach for small companies to level the playing field. It is inexpensive and enables message management, offers engagement, and has the potential to create business leads. Unfortunately, it also poses a social media threat to the system’s security.
If you want to maximize the benefits of social media while minimizing the hazards, you need to know what to do, whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a big company with a big social media staff. In this blog, we’ll provide you with information on how to lessen the risks that are involved with social media security in your small business.
Social Media Security Risks You Should Avoid
Human error
Everyone makes mistakes. In the fast-paced modern environment, employees might easily unintentionally expose the organization to cyber risks. Approximately 70% of the 20th EY Global Information Security Survey participants identified a negligent staff member as the primary cybersecurity danger. Merely clicking on an incorrect link or downloading an inappropriate file might do significant damage.
Third-party apps
Despite having strict privacy settings on your social media accounts, hackers might exploit weaknesses in third-party applications that connect with major social networks. For instance, hackers exploited a vulnerability in the Twitter Counter software to breach the Twitter accounts of Forbes and Amnesty International.
Unattended social media accounts
Even if you intend to use something other than the service right now, securing the handle for your business on all available social networking platforms is smart. Since your presence is constant, it makes it easier for others to discover you across networks.
However, you should consider the accounts you haven’t used recently, have discontinued, or don’t use very regularly. Inactive social media accounts are vulnerable to hackers who may use them to publish deceptive statements using your identity.
Given that the account is unmonitored, if someone gains control, they might potentially disseminate harmful fake information or distribute virus-infected links that could pose major risks to followers. You may not realize it until your clients begin seeking assistance from you.
Hacking
Social media hackers are getting more advanced. Big-name Twitter accounts, including that of Kylie Jenner, Mark Zuckerberg, and multiple HBO series, have been breached by hackers. The hacks were mostly harmless. Others are far more severe.
For instance, hackers used a false profile to engage with workers from certain firms, distributing a file that enabled attackers to access the victims’ work computers remotely.
Imposter accounts
Between the third quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2017, the number of phony social support accounts increased by a factor of two. Those accounts have the potential to target your consumers, deceiving them into divulging private information and, in the process, ruining your personal and professional image. There is also the possibility that imposter accounts may attempt to trick your staff into trusting them with their login passwords for company systems.
Unsecured mobile devices
The majority of social media users access their accounts via their mobile devices. When you use the mobile app for each network, a single touch is all it takes to access your social media accounts.
So long as you retain physical control of your phone, it is okay. However, with one-tap access, a criminal may easily access social media accounts if they get their hands on your or an employee’s phone. They may then launch malware or phishing assaults across your connections via messages. Password protection is helpful, yet over 50% of mobile phone users do not secure them.
Social Media Security Tips and Best Practices
Create a social media policy
Having a social media policy is essential for businesses that are now using or preparing to use social media. The recommendations specify your company and its workers’ responsible use of social media. This will safeguard you not just from security dangers but also from negative publicity or legal issues.
Train your staff on security practices
Without compliance from employees, no amount of social media policy will safeguard your company. Your policy should be clear and concise, but training will allow workers to ask questions, participate, and understand why following it is critical.
During these training sessions, we may also review the most recent social media risks and discuss if any of the policies need updating.
Moreover, not everything is bleak. Providing your staff with social media training can also help them make the most of these platforms. Workers will feel more comfortable using social media for work and play if they have a firm grasp on appropriate practices.
Monitor your social media accounts.
Companies need to monitor their mentions closely to intervene swiftly if necessary. However, monitoring social media is necessary for more than just the staff. Teams such as public relations or customer service may need to be notified about certain conversations. Having a well-defined procedure for routing information is crucial for ensuring that mentions reach the appropriate teams.
Create a strong password.
Brands should establish a robust password policy and direct staff to adhere to it while accessing their social media accounts. Passwords should contain complex combinations of capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Changing passwords often and avoiding using the same password across many sites is important. Avoid using easily guessable information such popular passwords, birthdates, or pet names.
Enable two-factor-authentication
Two-factor authentication enhances security by requiring users to provide a secondary form of verification, such as a unique code texted to their mobile device and their password. This method significantly decreases the likelihood of illegal entry, even in cases when the original login information has been exposed.
Facebook and X, the old Twitter, both provide two-factor authentication options. When enabled, a one-time code will be sent to your phone. In order to finish the login procedure, you’ll need to enter this code every time someone uses a new device to access your account.
Educate employees on security awareness.
Training employees regularly and informing them of new security concerns may help prevent breaches. It is important for brands to provide their staff with frequent training sessions that include the risks of social media and how to recognize and respond to such dangers.
Employees need training to recognize and avoid social engineering, phishing, and malicious websites. Businesses should also set standards for how employees use social media, create and use passwords, and handle customer data.
Reputable cybersecurity blogs, websites, and your platforms’ official social media accounts will offer you the greatest information regarding security advancements and best practices.
Update privacy settings regularly.
Different social media networks often adjust their privacy settings and the security options offered to users. It is important for brands to be aware of these developments and keep up-to-date on them.
Additionally, they should use the available tools to limit who may read their postings, contact them, and access their personal information. The privacy settings of your brand should be examined and adjusted regularly to maintain control over the online exposure of your establishment.
Final Thoughts
Social media security is very important in the current digital environment. It is an essential barrier to defending personal and commercial data, preserving online reputation, and repelling cyber attacks. Emphasizing social media security is crucial to reducing risks and maintaining confidence in our linked digital environment.
Moreover, adding security applications or software for digital businesses is essential nowadays. Bitdefender Mobile Security can establish and maintain security throughout your digital infrastructure. Check it out on our computer software store for a 20-30% discount!
