Security Issues on Social Networks

Social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter are immensely popular and powerful social platforms; therefore, they are a target of lot of security issues. In order to secure your accounts against any possible harm you need to be very prudent with Facebook. 

Malware Threat: 

With millions of user made applications available on the social networks, the threat of getting malware like viruses, worms, and spyware looms ever larger. You can accidentally download a virus on to your system by clicking on a fake button or through some harmful application. Any application that asks for access to your profile information put you at risk. 

In order to avoid getting your system infected with any malicious software because of hoax applications, follow these tips: 

• Never download anything from social networking websites which you have not prompted. 
• All social networks give you the option of application settings, from where you can protect yourself from malicious activity. 
• Do not let applications gain access to your personal information; it could be used in a harmful manner. 
• Remove all applications which you do not use anymore. 
• Do not install applications whose authenticity cannot be obviously established. 

Cyber Crimes: 

Crimes over the internet have increases in the past few of years, and they have gone from bad to worse. Social networking websites are visited and used by all kinds of people; you cannot possibly tell if someone’s a criminal. This has given freedom to malefactors of our society to rampage unthwarted and bring harm upon people. 

There have been numerous stories and incidents about people being blackmailed, pictures being misused, information being sold, extortions, spying, and stalking taking place because of the access the cyber-bullies get to your personal information once they befriend you. 

In order to protect yourself against possible abuse you need to be very prudent while using these social networking websites. Take the following steps and put distance between yourself and malicious people: 

• Social networks allow you the option of choosing your friends. Choose your friends carefully, never add a person you do not know. 
• Do not share your pictures and videos with everyone. Use the privacy settings strictly to protect your personal information. 
• Block any suspicious people, and report abuse so that they cannot contact you again. 
• If someone is bullying you or harassing you through sending you malicious or unsolicited messages, invites, and request immediately report that person to the social networks management. All social working websites have this option. 
• Be very cautious about what information you put up on social networks for everyone to see. 
• Under no circumstances should you provide sensitive personal and private information on any social network.