Social Media Cyber Threats

Social media platforms have become primary forms of communication in today’s digital world. This technology has allowed us to virtually connect with friends, family and colleagues from all over the globe. Still, it has opened up new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit users’ data. The risk of digital identity theft, financial fraud and other malicious activities increases with the use of social media.

The most common cyber threats associated with using social media are malicious software and links that can infect a computer or mobile device, phishing scams that attempt to gain access to a user’s personal information, identity theft, and account hijacking. Information Disclosure is also a considerable risk as social media users share their personal information. The more public data is posted on social networks, the easier it is for criminals to access it.

What is a Digital Footprint?

A digital footprint is the trace that individuals leave online. It includes posts, comments, tweets, photos and other data shared on social networks, which are stored in third-party databases. By analysing this information, cybercriminals can build a profile of an individual and use it to commit fraud or cybercrime. This highlights the importance of being more aware of the information you disclose on social media.

How Can People Stay Safe on Social Media?

Taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety on social media is essential. Here are some tips that can help you protect yourself while using social networks:

• Regularly update your apps and networks.
• Don’t accept followers you do not know.
• Use multi-factor authentication.
• Do not share personal details online, such as your house address or card details.

Are Hackers Using Social Media Profiles for Social Engineering?

Hackers can use the information they find on a person’s profile to impersonate them online and trick people into giving out sensitive information or money. Additionally, hackers may create fake profiles with malicious links, which can be used to spread malware or ransomware. Hackers can quickly build your profile and manipulate data to manipulate people essentially.

The Rise in Social Media Cyber Crime

Cybercriminals are now focusing their energy on smaller and bigger businesses. In addition to stealing data, they are actively targeting social media accounts to manipulate public opinion and spread false information. Social engineering tactics remain a concern, as hackers can use various techniques to target individuals. All businesses are still at huge risk of experiencing a cyber attack.

Conclusion

Cybercrime has evolved over the years, with criminals using more sophisticated methods to target social media users. You should be vigilant when using social networks and take the necessary steps to ensure online safety. This includes regularly updating your security settings, being aware of the information you post online, and avoiding suspicious links or messages. Our Ransomware Defence Assessment tests your business’s ability to restore business activities quickly and efficiently should a successful attack take place.

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