How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts and What to Do After They're Hacked
Social media accounts have become prime targets for cybercriminals in India, with over 467 million users at risk of account hijacking, identity theft, and financial fraud.
Essential Protection Strategies
Password Security Foundation
Create unique, complex passwords for each social media platform using a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information like birthdays, phone numbers, or Aadhaar numbers.
Password Management Best Practices:
- Use different passwords for each social media account
- Implement password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password
- Update passwords every 90 days
- Never save passwords in browsers on shared computers
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Implementation
Enable two-factor authentication on all social media accounts. While SMS-based OTP is better than no MFA, Indian users should prefer authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator over SMS due to SIM swapping attacks.
Immediate Response to Account Compromise
First 15 Minutes: Damage Control
If you discover your social media account has been compromised, time is critical. Change your password from a secure device, log out all sessions through security settings, enable MFA if not already activated, and screenshot evidence of malicious content.
Account Recovery Process
When locked out, use platform-specific recovery methods. Facebook/Instagram users should visit facebook.com/hacked or help.instagram.com and use trusted contacts feature if previously configured. Provide identification documents if requested.
Protecting Your Digital Identity
CyberTegh's social media security services help individuals and businesses protect their digital presence through vulnerability assessments, security awareness training, and incident response support.
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