How can you secure your identity on social media?
When it comes to communication and connections, social media is an incredibly useful tool for both businesses and individuals. The number of people we can reach has expanded vastly due to this medium, creating new opportunities that were previously unavailable.
However, despite these benefits, there are a number of risks that could compromise your personal information and even leave you vulnerable to identity theft.
Phishing a common occurrence on social media
In a survey conducted by security firm Sophos, 71 per cent of participants knew of someone who had fallen victim to spam attacks.1 A further 43 per cent had been subject of a phishing attack, which is a key area where an individual's identity can be stolen.1
As security group Kaspersky explained, phishing attacks occur when an individual clicks a on a seemingly safe link and provides a preparator with sensitive personal information.2 According to the company's research, 22 per cent of these attacks target Facebook, using the website's likeness to gain access to account information.1
The consequences of these initiatives are serious, as thieves may use your account to post spam and jeopardise your reputation online. Therefore, it is important to never reveal your password or sensitive account details to any party. If you ever access your account on a shared computer, be sure to log out after use and keep your passwords secret.
Risks for businesses
Security risks are not just concerns for individuals. According to marketing company Sensis, 31 per cent of small to medium enterprises state they frequently use social media to post ads.3 The most common platforms were Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, although the former website was by far the most popular.
As a report from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) explained, your employees may cause information breaches by revealing private details about the company unwittingly.4
Rather than outright ban social media in your business, another option involves educating workers on the risks associated with using these channels and how to spot risky links, potential scams and other red flags. Introducing strong distinctions between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour will also make it easier for workers to avoid security incidents.
Whether you need to protect your identity or the information of those in your business, Identity Watch can offer you peace of mind on social media. By monitoring the web constantly for your personal information, Identity Watch will alert you if we find a perpetrator trying to trade your identity illegally and give you guidance on the next actions to take.
1Social Networking Security Threats, Sophos, 2011.
2Social Networkers Beware: Facebook is a Major Phishing Portal, Kaspersky. June 2014.
3Sensis e-Business Report 2015, Sensis. Accessed October 2015
4Social Media Report, ISACA. Accessed October 2015.