In our latest blog post, the 8848 social media team have five ways to mitigate social media risks.
As businesses increasingly rely on social media, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and take proactive measures to protect your online presence. From imposter accounts to phishing scams, the threats are real and can have serious consequences.
Here are a few tips from the 8848 social media team.
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Unmonitored Accounts
Abandoned or unattended social media accounts are prime targets for hackers. They can exploit these accounts to spread misinformation, post fraudulent content, or distribute malware.
Mitigation: Regularly monitor all your social media accounts to ensure they haven’t been compromised.
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Imposter Accounts
Fake accounts posing as legitimate businesses can lead to fraud and misinformation. Social media platforms are actively working to combat this issue, but vigilance is still essential.
Mitigation: Verify your official accounts with a blue tick to establish credibility and minimise the risk of followers falling victim to imposters. Thoroughly vet influencer accounts before partnering with them.
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Privacy Settings
Many users overlook privacy settings, leaving their personal information vulnerable. Social media platforms and apps collect a significant amount of user data, raising privacy concerns.
Mitigation: Implement clear IT and user policy guidelines that outline appropriate privacy settings for social media accounts. These guidelines should help protect sensitive information and limit data collection.
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Vulnerable Third-Party Apps
Even with secure social media accounts, third-party apps can pose risks if not carefully selected.
Mitigation: Be cautious when using third-party apps, especially those that require login information. Stick to certified and trusted apps that are official partners of social media companies.
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Phishing Attacks and Scams
Phishing scams aim to trick users into disclosing sensitive information.
Mitigation: Conduct regular security awareness training for your team to help them recognise phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, UK businesses can safeguard their online reputation, protect customer data, and ensure a secure social media presence.
The 8848 team can support your social media. To start, claim your free social media audit.
Link In with our Managing Director James Garrison.