Being social online comes with risks. You can learn to minimize them.

In today’s age, social media is a powerful tool for staying connected with your friends, family and interests. However, protecting your personal information and being aware of your digital footprint is very important. Here are seven tips to keep your online presence a little safer:

1. Privacy Settings

   When did you last look at the privacy settings of your apps and accounts? Regularly review and update your privacy settings and read through your user agreements to see what companies are allowed to use your data for. There may be options to opt out or change your default privacy to help protect you online. Make a habit of reviewing them.

2. Strong Passwords

   Don’t use predictable or easily guessed passwords. Use long paraphrases and different passwords for your online accounts. If available, always use two-factor authentication. Reconsider using any service that does not yet offer this minimum level of security control. With two-factor authentication, even if someone does manage to get your password, the second factor requires you to take action before the login is complete. That can create a second line of defense.

3. Be Very Careful with Links

   Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially from users you don’t know. Don’t download any attachments from unknown sources. If someone you know sends an unusual link or posts or messages in a way that seems out of character, their account may be compromised.

4. Limit Personal Information

   Be mindful of personal details you share online, such as your address, phone number, and identifiable pictures of your home. Don’t post your vacation plans. Avoid sharing too much information when you’re out of town, so you don’t advertise that your home is unattended.

5. Take Advantage of Anonymity

   Some accounts like X or Reddit allow you to be an anonymous user. Be very careful about what details you post about. Enough specific details, such as where you went to school, which city you live in and who your favorite team is, could give people just enough data points to cross-reference searches on other platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to uncover your identity.

6. Monitor Your Account Activity

   Turn on notifications and regularly check your account activity for unauthorized access, questionable login attempts or unusual behavior. If anything looks suspicious, change your password right away.

7. Keep Strict Rules on Children

   Consider limiting what platforms the young ones in your life can access and monitoring their online activity regularly. Knowing their browsing and engagement habits and asking questions about who they talk to online can help keep them safe and buffer them from risk.

By following these tips, you can take more control over your digital footprint and keep your media more social and less risky. For more information about fraud prevention and digital security, be sure to check out the Cadence Bank Fraud and Security Center to read Frequently Asked Questions and learn more about how to take a proactive approach to account and identity security.

Sources:

https://staysafeonline.org/resources/social-media/

https://rainn.org/safe-media

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/key-topics/retirement-benefits/cybersecurity/online-security-tips.pdf

This article is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content in the article. The article is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.