How to protect your social media accounts

To prevent cyber espionage and protect personal data on social media, you should follow a number of recommendations for the safe use of certain social networks. So, here are some tips on how to improve account security.

Social network Instagram

It is recommended to set up two-factor authentication for each account. To do this, open the app, go to the Settings section, and open the Security item. By clicking on "Security check" you will receive recommendations from Instagram on how to improve the security of your account (in particular, it may include recommendations to change your password to a stronger one, confirm your email, mobile phone and set up two-factor authentication).

Please note that you can set up Two-Step Verification using a separate authentication application, a text message to your phone number, or WhatsApp (after enabling the notification by phone number).

In the Security menu, you can also go to the Account logins item and check access to your account from a device you do not know. If you are not sure that all sessions are open on your devices, be sure to end the unknown session(s).

It is recommended that you periodically change your account password by setting a complex password that is not used in other social networks, messengers or emails. Do not open potentially harmful links that may be sent in personal messages or written in comments to a post.

Facebook social network

The protection of your Facebook account also depends on the correct settings. To do this, open the application, go to the "Menu", scroll to the bottom and select "Settings". Then open the "Password and Security" section. In this menu, you can check important security settings according to Facebook's recommendations, as well as change your password (once again, we draw your attention to the fact that you should do this regularly - set unique and complex passwords). You also need to set up two-step verification by clicking on "Use two-step verification" and, following Facebook's recommendations, choose a two-factor authentication method that is convenient for you.

After setting up, go to the previous menu "Password and security", check which devices you are authorized to use in the "Authorized logins" item, and by opening the "Receive notifications of suspicious logins" menu, enable notifications in email and in the application.

Do not open or save attachments that come with suspicious Facebook Messenger messages, and do not click on links received in messages or written in comments to posts.

Periodically check your active devices in accordance with the recommendations outlined above.

Twitter (X) social network

To improve the security of your Twitter (X) account(s), open the application by clicking on the profile icon and selecting the "Settings & Privacy" menu. Go to the section "Security and profile access". In this menu, click on "Security" and set up two-factor authentication using a text message to your mobile phone, an authentication app, or a security key. It is also recommended that you enable the "Password reset protection" feature in the "Security" menu to prevent your password from being changed without your confirmation.

Go to the Security and profile access menu and in the Applications and sessions section check for other unauthorized sessions, connected applications, and authorized devices.

Change your password periodically by selecting "Your profile" in the "Settings and privacy" menu and then "Change your password". Do not click on links received in personal messages or in comments to a tweet (post).

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber espionage and other threats.