Social networks are currently widely used by people of all ages , they are useful to be in communications, express ideas, advertise a product, spend an entertaining time posting memes, photos and videos.
However, these social networks are accompanied by privacy problems. This tutorial will be valuable if you are a fan of social networks, because it will explain how to avoid privacy errors in social networks?
Common mistakes made when using social networks
- Link social networks to third-party applications, there are some applications that are designed by cybercriminals to steal personal information from our accounts. In this way you can prevent computer attacks.
- Clicking on fraudulent links or playing videos containing malware; These methods are very useful for cyber criminals to steal information.
- Accept requests from unknown people .
- Use simple passwords created with personal data.
- Publish addresses, for example where you live or work, where you are, where you are going to spend your holidays. Even post phone or email numbers.
- Do not configure the privacy parameters of your accounts.
- Complete the personal data form requested by the social networks.
- Leave social networks open on third-party devices or on public computers.
- Save the password in the browser , something that can be dangerous if the device is stolen or third parties have access to our equipment.
- Letting children and adolescents use these networks without supervision. Efforts should be made to improve the safety of adolescents on social networks and in the same way with children.
- Publish everything we do via messages or photos.
- Do not think about the consequences before accepting or publishing any content.
Tips to avoid social media privacy mistakes
- Never publish your personal data or that of a family member; For example, never publish phone numbers, bank details, addresses like where you live or work, where you go to vacation or the place where your children study.
- Accept requests from people you meet in person, as there are many fake profiles on social media that steal private information.
- Create complex passwords that are difficult for third parties to crack and are a secure but easy to remember password for you to prevent them from entering your account and stealing your data or friends list. Also never share your password with other people, or save them in the browser.
- If you use your social networks on third-party devices or public computers, be sure to close your accounts when you finish using them.
- Most of the social networks allow to configure the privacy of the accounts; This function allows you to decide who can access your profile and even choose which parts of your profile you want them to have access to.
- Avoid uploading very intimate photos and do not share it with all the users of these networks; for example on Facebook you can choose which users can see your photos, friends list and your personal data.
- Install the best antivirus and antimalware on your mobile device, tablet or computer and update them frequently.
- Don’t open questionable files or click on suspicious links, as these files may contain malware designed to steal your personal information.
- If your children use social networks, monitor their behavior on these networks, because many children and adolescents are deceived by adults posing as children to steal personal information or abuse them in a psychological or sexual way.
- It is not necessary to fill in the entire form about the personal data requested by social networks.
- If you get a link or message from a friend that seems dubious, get in touch with that friend and ask them to make that content to be sure it’s not a scam.
- Use VPN services when using public networks.
- Keep the operating system of the computers updated.
- When you use social networks from your PC, be sure to enter the official website of that network because there are many pirated pages on the internet.
- Read before accepting any permission requested by any app.
- Use judgment and think before posting any content that may violate your privacy.
Do not stop using social networks because of the dangers you may face, just be cautious and use good judgment when using social networks; follow the advice in this tutorial and avoid falling into the traps of cyber criminals.
