Social media is a popular marketing strategy for small businesses because of its organic nature, the potential to reach large audiences, and low operating costs. However, there are risks associated with social media marketing, including the possibility of hacking from outside. According to Forbes Magazine, two American brands were hacked recently, Burger King – and Chrysler. The Twitter account of Burger King revealed a hoax that claimed the company was being taken over by McDonald's. Hackers joked that Jeep was sold to Cadillac. Although these hacks were quickly caught, they can cause serious public relations problems with long-lasting consequences. These are some tips to help protect your social media accounts against being hacked. Maximize Privacy Settings It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to managing your social media accounts. Secure browsing should always be enabled on your computer, mainly when using social media networks. This will allow you to maximize privacy settings. For extra protection, use an "HTTPS" address. To encrypt your activity and prevent others from accessing it, set your Facebook and Twitter settings for login approval. Examine You should carefully examine every message that you receive via Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or other sources for warning signs. Hacked messages can contain bizarre errors that may seem out of place. To be safe, immediately delete these messages. Log Out On Mobile Devices Smartphones have led to increased social media browsing on the move, particularly among mobile workers. This can be a significant efficiency boost for companies, but it can also pose a risk. If your phone is stolen, lost, or robbed, the person who took it will be able to access all of your social media accounts and information. They can do whatever they like with them. To prevent this nightmare from happening, log out of any mobile device at all times. Change Your Password Your password is only as secure as your actions make it. Take the time to secure it. Better use a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols for your password. It would help if you also changed it regularly. Third-Party Applications It's best not to grant permission to third-party apps unless it is essential for your business. You should regularly audit third-party apps and delete those that you don't use. Shortened links Be cautious when clicking on short links from unknown accounts. Hackers and spammers often use shortened URLs to send you to malicious websites. You might not notice the link is dangerous until it's too late. Remember to be cautious.
