These days, hackers and internet fraudsters are ever on the prowl, waiting to prey on unsuspecting internet users.
One of the easiest and most vulnerable places these hackers attack people on the internet is the social media.
A lot of individuals, including celebrities, entertainers, and the likes have had their social media profiles hacked.
Others have had their social pages cloned by fraudsters and used to perpetrate fraud to unsuspecting fans and followers.
One of the most recent is the winner of the US Lottery Powerball jackpot, 53-year-old Ms. Mavis Wanczyck.
Some fraudsters used her name and identity to create fake accounts on Instagram and Twitter, encouraging people to follow and share their post for a chance to win a $100 donation.
So to avoid hackers and internet fraudsters from gaining access to your social media profile, here are five easy steps to take:
Avoid Granting Unknown/Insecure Third Party Apps and Websites Access To your Facebook Information
One effortless way by which hackers can gain access to your social media profile is by granting permission to third party applications and websites.
Some Apps and Websites like Testony, Candy Crush Saga, etc. require access to your Facebook profile information to gain certain points, test results, and freebies.
The truth is, these third party apps can compromise your social media profile in the long term and lead to hacking or fraud.
Avoid Accepting Friend Requests from Persons Unknown To You or With Suspicious Profiles
Since your social media profile, more especially Facebook contains a lot of your personal, and sometimes confidential information, you might well be careful who you accept as your friend.
Always endeavour to check the profile of whoever sends you a friend request, verify you know them, have mutual friends with them, and their profile is not suspicious.
Avoid Clicking on Links shared by unknown persons or with suspicious profiles
This is one trick a lot of individuals fall very quickly for.
Everyone loves some freebies every once in a while.
Fraudsters and hackers know this and very often post or advertise a lot of “nice” freebies, or access to some “restricted” or “secret” content or stuff that could make you a millionaire, a trend known as “click baiting.”
Clicking on suspicious links will very well compromise your Facebook account.
Enhance your privacy by Choosing the Appropriate privacy options on Your Social Profiles
Facebook has upgraded its privacy options for increased security of its users. With the new privacy features, you can restrict who can see or like/comment on your posts as well as who can find you on search.
It has also made it easier for users to report suspicious accounts and have them blocked or removed.
Avoid Sharing Confidential Information
Lastly, to stay safe from hackers and internet fraudsters on Facebook, avoid sharing or disclosing sensitive information such as passwords, PIN Codes, Bank Details, Debit/Credit Card Info, etc.
