If you're running a small business, you know how important social media is. It's where you connect with customers and show off what you do. But did you know it's also a place where you need to be careful about security? Don't worry – keeping your accounts safe isn't as hard as it sounds. I've got some easy tips to help you out.
Check Your Privacy Settings
Start by looking at your privacy settings on each social media platform. These settings control who sees what you post and who can find your profile. Make sure you're only sharing what you want with the right people. It's a good idea to check these settings every few months, as they can change. Adjust who can tag you in posts and photos, who can see your posts, and review your friend or follower lists to ensure no suspicious accounts are connected to you. Regularly updating these settings can prevent unwanted exposure and keep your business information secure.
Pick Strong Passwords
Your password is like a key to your social media account. You want it to be tough for anyone else to guess. Use a mix of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols. Avoid easy-to-guess stuff like your birthday or "password123." Change these passwords every once in a while, especially if you think someone else might know them. Consider using a passphrase, which is a series of random words, making it easier to remember but hard to crack. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available. This adds an extra layer of security, as you'll need to provide two types of identification before accessing your account – usually your password and a code sent to your phone.
Use Tools for Sharing Passwords
Sometimes, you need to share your social media passwords with your team. When you do this, don't just send them through email or text. Use a secure password manager like LastPass, or put them in a password-protected spreadsheet. This way, only the people who need the passwords can get them. These tools often come with added benefits, such as generating strong passwords and storing them securely. Moreover, they allow you to share access without revealing the actual password, which can be critical in maintaining security in case of personnel changes. It's also important to regularly review who has access to these tools and update it as your team changes.
Do a Security Check Every Few Months
Every three months or so, take some time to do a quick check-up on your social media accounts. Make sure the right people have access to your accounts, and that your passwords are still strong. Look for any weird activity on your accounts, too. If something doesn't seem right, it might be time to change your password or check your settings. This regular audit should also include reviewing your connected third-party apps, ensuring that only necessary and trusted applications have access to your account. Keep an eye on messages and comments for signs of phishing attempts, and educate your team on how to recognize and respond to such threats.
Keeping your business safe on social media doesn't have to be complicated.
With these simple steps, you can protect your accounts and focus on what you do best – running your business. Stay safe out there!
Contact Us
We would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.