Connecting and collaborating through social media has never been easier; social media, blogs and wikis offer a range of entertaining and accessible features tailored to the user. Social media platforms are quick and easy to use, but it’s important to question the trade-offs that make them convenient.
Did you know that Snapchat requires you turn on locations services in order to use basic filters? Although workarounds exist, many users are still unaware they’re sending their coordinates to Snapchat every time they take a selfie with cute animal ears. Privacy is too often sacrificed in favour of convenience, but there are several ways to mitigate this trade-off when using social media.
Make passwords long and complicated
As the gateway to your account, nothing beats a strong, complex password for keeping your profile and personal information safe. Be sure to use different passwords for each account to prevent cyber criminals from accessing several accounts in the event of a compromise. You should also change your password often. A password manager may be a great tool for keeping your passwords organized and as strong as possible.
Keep your personal information off the internet
When posting online, try to limit the amount of identifiable and personal information that you post, including photos. With less personal information online, there’s less to worry about protecting. You could also opt out of emails and notifications from the social media platform, as well as blocking them from collecting your personal information when possible, because this data is often sold to third-party marketing firms for targeted advertising. Remember that you have the right to request the personal information an organization has about you. If you’re concerned about the way your information is being managed, contact the relevant institutions as soon as possible.
Read and understand what you’ve agreed to
It is important to take time to regularly read and understand privacy policies and user agreements to know what information is stored by apps and websites via cookies. Canada’s privacy commissioner recommends taking some time to learn about the privacy and security features offered by your internet browser. These features can clear cookies and searches, and limit information like location data that you share with websites.
Get out of the spotlight
To further defend your privacy, change your account settings from public to private, and change privacy and security settings to prevent search engines from indexing your profile page. This will keep your account from being targeted by phishing and e-mail scams. You can protect your privacy on social media by limiting the information you put online, using stronger passwords, and opting for more private security settings. These measures can greatly reduce the opportunity for threat actors to target your information. Even if your account is compromised after taking these precautions, you’ll have greater peace of mind because less of your personal information will have been disclosed.
For more information and guidance on protecting your privacy on social media, check out more of our featured blogs, consult the Cyber Centre's Use of personal social media in the workplace – ITSAP.00.066 and Cyber hygiene placemat for social media tips, or check out the Get Cyber Safe campaign.