It can be easy to dismiss social media security as a chore
to save for another day. Getting hacked is serious business though, and you
could find your online identity stolen, your precious photos erased and your
devices inaccessible. We've put together some simple but effective ways of
keeping the hackers out. Of course, on the wilds of the Web no protection is
ever 100 percent guaranteed, but you can certainly minimize the risk and sleep
more soundly at night knowing that you've done what you can. If you've got any
security tips of your own, we'd love to hear them in the comment below.
Do the two-step authentication:
Most of the social networks now offer two-step verification,
which adds an extra step to the login process when you sign in on a new
computer or device. Essentially, it means that hacker's need more than just
your username and password to get at your accounts on a browser or phone that
you've not used before. The extra code that's required is typically sent via
SMS, or generated through a mobile app or a call.
Usually, you'll only need to go through the extra step once
on each computer or device that you use. It's simple, effective, and should be
your very first stop on the security tour.
- On Facebook, head to the Login Approvals section under the
Security page on the Settings screen.
- On Twitter, the option you're looking for is called Login
verification under the Security and privacy page of your settings.
- Gmail and Google (choose Security then 2-step Verification
from your Google Account page).
- OnTumblr (Account >> Security >> Two-factor
authentication).
- On Dropbox (Settings >> Security >> Two-step
verification) and many other major services.
Whatever the name given to the feature, it's worth switching
on wherever it's available. It's not foolproof, but it adds an extra layer of
protection should your username and password get out into the wild.
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