Instances can often be broken down into two categories. The pros and the cons. With the fast approach of an age where our identities now exist in both the real and the virtual world, we have to consider that the convenience it provides may come with certain drawbacks.

It's important to consider that the amount of security we have for the real world should also be imposed on our virtual space. 

There are several actions that users of the internet can practice to ensure that their personal information, which could be both sensitive and essential, stays out of the hands of unknown persons. Here are security measures you can take to protect your social media accounts.

Create a Strong Password

Passwords act as keys to your social media accounts. Without it, hackers that aim to steal your data can't really do much. Create a unique password with a mix of letters, numbers, and characters, if the social media platform allows it so that it would be harder to guess. According to investor.gov, you must also change it frequently.

Be Cautious with Account Information

Don't give out your Social Security numbers, bank information, or anything that has to do with your financial information through social media. It is ideal to use the telephone, send a letter, use a firm e-mail, or a firm-sponsored website.

If you need to provide bank, credit card, or debit card details, do so only on trusted sites. However, if you need to make a payment or a purchase and prefer to pay directly, make sure you have a separate account that holds little or the exact amount you need for the purchase or payment.

Keep Your Antivirus Up to Date

You need to make sure that your antivirus is updated, as stated on PC Mag. It will serve as your first line of defense against malware, especially the type that specifically targets user information. 

Antivirus software usually detects all sorts of malware. But, since new ones are created every day, your antivirus also needs to keep up. Antivirus updates come with new patches for more advanced malware.

Read Also: Social Media Cybersecurity Threats

Adjust Your Privacy Setting

With newly created social media accounts, all settings are set to default. More often than not, its privacy settings are set to show much of the user's information, depending on the social media site or app. This includes information like birthdays, addresses, contact information, pictures, locations, and more. Altering your privacy settings will give you more control over what you want people to see in your account.

As mentioned in tonlifelockpartner.com, customizing your privacy settings will limit the information that will be viewed in search results. As it is on Facebook, users can modify their settings so their posts can only be viewed by friends, friends, networks, or specific groups.

Think Before You Post

You must keep in mind that once something has been posted or shared online, it is difficult, if not impossible, to erase it. Some social media sites keep track of and save all of your data, even the ones that you have already deleted.

Also, a simple screenshot from other parties would suffice in keeping a copy of your data. Once that is done, you cannot take it back. 

Related Article: How to Secure Your Social Media Accounts: Facebook, TikTok, and More