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Social Media

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These days, it's hard to live without social media sites; that's why 79% of Americans have at least one social profile. However, the sheer amount of personal information we upload to social media sites makes them an easy target for hackers. Luckily, most social media tools allow you to adjust your security settings. Follow the tips below to keep your social media life safe.

SECURE YOUR PASSWORDS. You should be the only one to know your passwords, and you should ensure that you have different passwords for your various social media accounts. This will make it more difficult for hackers to steal your information. Read more in our article about password security.

LOG OUT. This tip may seem simple, but it applies to all devices you own, and even devices you don’t. Logging out can minimize the risk of information theft if your device is stolen, or if someone uses the device after you.

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES. Always think about what you are posting before you post it. Potential employers often check applicants’ social media sites during the hiring process, and according to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, of the 70 percent of employers that do social media research, 57 percent found information that made them decide not to hire the candidate.

TAKE QUIZZES WITH CAUTION. Social sites like Facebook and Snapchat play host to thousands of "quiz" sites that promise to reveal your personality type, ideal spouse, or even Star Wars name. The catch? They're often saving and using the answers you share. If, for example, you tell a quiz site your favorite sneaker style, your data could go straight to a marketer. Or worse, if that Star Wars name generator asks for the street you grew up on, you've given the quiz site the answer to a potential security question.

KNOW WHO YOU'RE CONNECTING WITH. Limit the amount of people you follow that you don’t know personally. You should be cautious about friending people you don’t know. When it comes to following people on sites like Instagram or Twitter, do your research to ensure that they are credible and safe sources of information.

CLICK WITH CAUTION. Clicking on a link that isn’t trustworthy can cause malware to enter your computer.

ADJUST YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS. Each social media platform allows you to adjust your settings to limit the amount of information you share. Review your security settings often. If a social media platform updates, it can affect how the settings work.

Follow the links below to see your privacy settings for each major social media site

LEARN MORE

Virus and Malware Protection

Learn about the different kinds of malware that exist, and how to prevent, detect and respond to them.

Passwords

Learn how to change your password, how to create a security question, and how to create passwords that protect your account.

Device Protection

Learn general tips for keeping your physical devices protected from unauthorized access and other physical threats.

Software Updates

Learn why keeping the operating system on your devices up to date is actually a very important security precaution.

Internet Safety

Learn how to protect yourself from being scammed, tricked, or hacked while surfing the web.

Phishing

Learn how to identify and avoid scam emails, texts, and more. Phishing scams steal personal info on a regular basis.

Two-Factor Authentication

Learn how 2-Factor Authentication services like DUO protect your account from hackers and accidental access.

Wi-Fi

Learn the difference between secured and unsecured Wi-Fi networks and how to be safe when connecting to a wireless network.

Backing Up Your Data

Learn about different data storage options and consider which options are best for your needs.

Social Engineering

Learn about methods criminals might use to obtain your information by building false trust.

Working and Studying from Home

Learn how to be healthy and secure while following shelter-in-place instructions