As a community bank, protecting our employees' and customers’ digital lives is as critical as safeguarding our financial assets. Social media, while a powerful tool for personal and professional connectivity, carries inherent risks if not used responsibly. Our IT team put together essential safety tips and tricks for sharing with care and staying safe on social media.
1. Think Before You Post
Sensitive Information: Avoid sharing details that could be used to compromise your personal or professional security, such as your location, vacation plans, or financial information.
Work-Related Content: Refrain from discussing workplace operations, client information, or any bank-related confidential data.
Oversharing: Be cautious about sharing too much about your daily routine, as it can provide malicious actors with details that could be used for targeted attacks.
2. Check Your Privacy Settings
Custom Privacy Controls: Review and adjust your social media privacy settings regularly to ensure your posts are shared only with your intended audience.
Profile Information: Limit who can see your personal details like phone numbers, email addresses, and birthdates to protect against identity theft.
3. Beware of Phishing and Scams
Suspicious Links and Messages: Avoid clicking on unexpected or unsolicited links sent through social media platforms. Phishing scams are commonly disguised as messages from friends or well-known organizations.
Friend Requests: Be selective about accepting friend or connection requests, especially if you do not personally know the individual. Fake profiles are often used for social engineering.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Account Security: Adding MFA to your social media accounts adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.
Authentication Apps: Utilize apps like Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Google Authenticator for stronger protection compared to SMS-based verification.
5. Be Aware of Your Digital Footprint
Publicly Available Information: Understand that anything posted online can potentially be shared beyond your control. Employers, colleagues, and potential adversaries may have access to posts or comments.
Search Your Name: Occasionally search your name online to see what information is publicly visible and take steps to remove or secure any unnecessary details.
6. Avoid Geotagging and Location Sharing
Safety Precautions: Posting your current location or geotagging can inadvertently give away your whereabouts, making you more vulnerable to physical risks or targeted cyberattacks.
Delayed Posts: Consider sharing travel experiences or event photos after you have left the location to avoid broadcasting your absence from home or work.
7. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Password Practices: Use complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
Password Managers: Implement a password manager (our favorite is RoboForm) to securely store and manage your unique passwords.
8. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Account Activity: Keep an eye on your account activity for unauthorized posts, messages, or login attempts. Early detection of suspicious behavior can help mitigate potential damage.
Revocation of Access: Periodically review third-party apps and websites connected to your social media accounts and revoke access to those you no longer use or trust.
9. Be Cautious with Personal Challenges
Information Harvesting: Avoid participating in viral social media challenges that ask for personal information (e.g., “What was your first car?”). These challenges may seem fun but can be used to gather answers to common security questions.
10. Stay Educated and Aware
Ongoing Training: Ensure regular cybersecurity training sessions are available to educate employees and stakeholders on the latest social media threats and safe online practices.
Resources: Utilize trusted cybersecurity sources, such as the National Cybersecurity Alliance, to stay informed about evolving online safety strategies.
By incorporating these safety tips, we can help foster a secure and responsible use of social media, protecting not only our individual digital presence but also contributing to the overall security culture within our bank and community.