SMS (Social Media Security)

Social media, despite its many advantages, has its own share of perils. Every imaginable cyber threat applies three-fold for social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Social media is a powerful tool, and so, it requires immense responsibility for usage.

Most of these problems can be avoided by improving the security settings found on Facebook, as well as maintaining a set of practises. A general user would be astonished as to how much control they have over their content once they visit the security page. Settings that control who can see your posts and pictures will help to keep your content secure from your friends, or even the general Facebook crowd altogether. 

Also, if you wish to keep certain information or posts hidden from certain people on your list, you could simply create a restricted or limited profile list and place them there. 

You can set up your security settings so that you cannot even be found on search if they any random person did a search on you. It is also advisable to change passwords as often as possible and setting up alerts so that if anyone were to log in, you would be notified immediately and can take necessary steps to regain control.  

Another thing to note is that uploading too many pictures, especially private ones, should always be avoided. Pictures of children should be uploaded with the least amount of frequency. What many people do not understand is that their Facebook page, regardless of how much they claim is their own and their private property, does not really belong to them. It exists in the vast ocean of cyberspace and can be accessed if one has the knowledge and the means. 

If you are in a bind, always remember that most social media sites have excellent response systems if you so require. If you have all the documents and other necessary materials that prove you have been wronged, they are quick to respond and rectify the situation.

What many people do not realise is that the use of social media demands a certain amount of common sense that we use anyway in our real lives. If those practises are applied here, the usefulness and enjoyment value of social media goes up exponentially.

By Intisab Shahriyar