Like, share, follow. Social networks are part of the lives of most people these days. However, their widespread use by the masses provides an opportunity for speculators who want to exploit the unpreparedness of many users by exploiting security flaws. Be careful not to lose money, privacy, or even honor.
Every age and educational group uses the network. It therefore allows us to observe differences in approaches to security. The middle-aged and more educated users think more about the security of the information they share with the world. However, there are exceptions here too, who underestimate the window into their privacy.
A typical example is photos and statuses about vacations. One of the most common tricks of apartment robbers is to monitor statuses about vacations. A naive user often reveals where and for how long they are going. Directly from the network, clever interested parties can also learn whether their house or apartment will remain empty, as well as where it is located. A few photos and ill-considered information in text statuses are enough.
More vulnerable children
Children are even less vigilant, and vice versa, the older generation. In older people, it is mainly a matter of unpreparedness and lack of understanding of the virtual world. They are more naive and trusting. It is not difficult to obtain personal data from them, which they often disclose without asking.
The younger generation is often the most educated in computer knowledge, but it lacks a healthy suspicion. Their environment forces them to disclose a large part of their privacy. As a result, they are often susceptible to being influenced by manipulative scammers and, due to their shyness in the adult world, are also susceptible to blackmail.
Unfortunately, in vulnerable groups, it often happens that a scammer extracts sensitive information from a given person. He threatens to publish it if the victim does not pay a ransom. Whether a pensioner or children, they are very attached to what their surroundings think of them. Therefore, they often succumb to blackmail and fulfill the blackmailer's demands.
However, do not ban children or seniors from social networks. Psychology works in such a way that they would like to prove to you out of spite that you are making threats into useless science. They would behave even less cautiously than if they knew nothing about the threats. It is more sensible to use a child lock, thanks to which you can monitor actions on the computer. For security, it is also a good idea to use software that prevents stalking and hacking attempts.
Already during registration
However, when using social networks, one should not underestimate security or data protection even when creating a profile. The user should use updated software and operating system, use a quality antivirus program and verify the credibility of everything that is required of him during registration.
The basics also include creating a sufficiently long and unique password that you do not use for other regular registrations without the need for discretion. Use special characters, numbers, upper and lower case letters. Change your password regularly. If there is an option to verify your identity via two-factor authentication - via SMS to your mobile phone, or by email, or fingerprint, an application on your smartphone, etc., use it.
Common sense
Switch your social media profiles to private. Only your family, friends, and acquaintances will see your posts, such as sensitive photos and other private information. Keep your profile as private as possible, even for the network operator.
You don't have to be afraid of social media. However, be aware that some information or photos contain intimate messages. You wouldn't show a family album or a half-naked photo to passersby on the street.
